Department for Transport

Driving Tests: Coronavirus

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will ensure that theory test refunds are administered for (a) people whose theory test (a) has expired during the driving test suspension (b) will expire while they are on the waiting list for a practical test after the suspension is lifted.

Rachel Maclean: There is no provision in legislation for refunds of test fees in these circumstances. It would therefore not be legal for the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency to provide refunds.

British Airways: Redundancy

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has had discussions with representatives of British Airways on postponing its planned redundancies following the Government's announcement of an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Department for Transport is in regular contact with airlines, airports and unions to understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector and its workers. However, we do not comment on discussions held with individual companies, as this information is commercially sensitive.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether there are criteria in place for lifting the proposed policy of 14 days' quarantine for inbound airline passengers to the UK.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Home Office will be introducing new health protection measures at the border, and details will be published soon. Further queries should be directed to the Home Office.

International Transport: Coronavirus

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it remains Government policy to work with international partners on global common screening standards for international travel.

Kelly Tolhurst: The UK is engaging with a number of key international organisations (including ICAO and IATA), and we are working with our international partners to drive forward a shared agenda on public health measures for international travel. The Government has also established five ministerial-led taskforces to develop plans for reopening sectors which have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, including a taskforce on international aviation. The Government aims to support industry in developing guidance on a baseline set of measures, based on the available evidence, and for these to become widespread and well-understood, thereby avoiding confusion and uncertainty for both industry and passengers.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to determine the list of exemptions to the proposed 14-day quarantine policy for inbound airline passengers to the UK.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Home Office will be introducing new health protection measures at the border, and details will be published soon. Further queries should be directed to the Home Office.

P and O Ferries: Coronavirus

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on P&O Ferries proposals for 1,100 redundancies among seafarers and maritime staff employed on that company’s operations from Dover and Hull.

Kelly Tolhurst: I have been in regular discussion with Government colleagues throughout this crisis to ensure government measures are supporting the maritime sector. Since the announcement of the proposed redundancies I have not had specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on P&O’s proposal.

Roll-on Roll-off Ships: Freight

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much freight has been transported on (a) Hull-Zeebrugge and (b) Hull-Rotterdam roll-on roll-off ferries in each month between December 2019 and April 2020.

Kelly Tolhurst: The data requested is not currently held by the Department for Transport. UK port freight data is collected by the Department on a quarterly basis. Statistics on overall tonnage and units by port for the first quarter of 2020 (January to March) will be published on 10 June 2020. Data on port to country routes, such as Hull-Netherlands, are published annually, 2019 data will be published in Summer 2020 and 2020 data will be published in 2021. Data on specific port to port routes, such as Hull–Zeebrugge, are collected on an annual basis but are not disclosed as the release of such information would be likely to prejudice commercial interests.

Ports and Shipping: Coronavirus

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to prevent unemployment among key workers in the (a) shipping and (b) ports sectors as a result of the economic effect of the covid-19 outbreak.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Department’s officials and I have been working closely with businesses across the maritime sector, including shipping and port operators, to understand the impact and challenges they face from the global COVID-19 crisis.The Government has announced an unprecedented package of financial measures to support businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, worth £350 billion. We are providing the sector with guidance on how to access the government's business support schemes, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.On 24 April we announced a package of support to maintain services on critical freight routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and between Great Britain and mainland Europe. The Government has also put together an emergency support package for lifeline ferry services, with up to £10.5m being allocated to safeguard vital transport links connecting the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly to the British mainland.

P and O Ferries: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect on maritime employment of proposals by P&O Ferries proposals to make 160 seafarers on the (a) Pride of York and (b) Pride of Hull roll-on roll-off passenger ferries between Hull and Zeebrugge and Hull and Rotterdam redundant.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Secretary of State for Transport maintains a close interest in the issues impacting UK seafarers and ferry operations. However, no such assessment has been made on those specific routes.

Ports and Shipping: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to protect workers in the (a) shipping and (b) ports sectors from redundancy during the covid-19 pandemic.

Kelly Tolhurst: To support maritime businesses and seafarer jobs that have been impacted by the outbreak of Covid-19, the Government has made available a series of unprecedented financial support packages, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Any employer with a UK bank account and PAYE scheme is eligible for a grant to cover 80% of the wages of its employees, up to £2500 per month.

P and O Ferries: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with (a) representatives of P&O Ferries and (b) trade unions on that company’s proposals for 1,100 redundancies among maritime workers on ferry routes from Hull and Dover; and if he will make a statement.

Kelly Tolhurst: I have had continued engagement with a range of maritime and other transport operators during the pandemic. I have also met with the maritime Trade Unions, where current and future matters impacting workers, and the sector as a whole, were discussed, and will continue to have an ongoing dialogue with them. I have spoken to both P&O and the Trade Unions regarding the challenges P&O are currently facing. Due to the sensitive nature of this issue we assume talks will also be happening between P&O and the Trade Unions.

P and O Ferries: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much funding from the public purse P&O Ferries has received to support (a) UK seafarer employment and (b) maritime supply chains during the covid-19 outbreak to date.

Kelly Tolhurst: On 24 April Government committed to keeping freight flowing on routes into and across the UK. Following engagement with operators, DfT has awarded contracts for 16 routes with 6 operators, worth an estimated £34m over 2 months. The Department for Transport will publish regular updates on this support.In addition, and to support maritime businesses and seafarer jobs, which have been impacted by the outbreak of Covid-19, the Government has made available unprecedented financial support, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Any employer with a UK bank account and PAYE scheme is eligible for a grant to cover 80% of the wages of its employees, up to £2500 per month.These measures are helping to ensure vital routes remain open for all companies, including P&O Ferries.

P and O Ferries: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with DP World, owners of P&O Ferries Ltd on (a) furlough support for the wages of 1,400 P&O staff in the UK and (b) the proposal for 1,100 redundancies amongst P&O’s UK seafarers and other maritime staff in Dover and Hull.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Department’s officials and I have been working closely with operators across the maritime sector including P&O Ferries, to understand the impacts and challenges they face from the global COVID-19 crisis. The Department recognises the contribution UK seafarers make to the economy and we remain committed to supporting them. On 24 April we announced a package of support to maintain services on critical freight routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and between Great Britain and mainland Europe.

P and O Ferries: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many staff employed by P&O Ferries Ltd staff furloughed since 26 March 2020 worked on the port or on ferries from (a) Hull and (b) Dover.

Kelly Tolhurst: P&O have around 1,400 staff enrolled on the furlough scheme. The specific number of P&O staff furloughed at the ports or ferries at Hull and Dover is not held by the Department for Transport

British Airways: Redundancy

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with representatives of British Airways as a result of their recent announcement on staff redundancies.

Kelly Tolhurst: It would not be appropriate to comment on individual discussions. However, we recognise that this will be very distressing news for BA employees and their families, and we stand ready to support them. The aviation sector is essential to the UK economy, and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures, including: schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees. If airlines find themselves in trouble because of coronavirus, and have exhausted the measures already available to them, the Transport Secretary is clear that the Government is prepared to enter discussions with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort, having exhausted all other options.  Any intervention would need to represent value for money for taxpayers.

Taxis: Coronavirus

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what advice his Department has provided to cab drivers on protecting themselves and their passengers from the transmission of covid-19; and what financial support the Government has provided to cab drivers to implement requisite protective measures.

Rachel Maclean: The Government has published transport guidance on the safe provision of transport services during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are separate guidance documents for transport providers and for passengers. Both guidance documents cover all modes. The guidance sets out Government recommendations on who should be traveling and under what circumstances, and how social distancing rules should be interpreted. It also includes information about cleaning practices. In addition, we have been in contact with industry bodies to support interpretation of the guidance for the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) sector.We are aware of the issues being faced by the taxi sector and are working with industry to understand the particular pressures they are facing. The Self-employment Income Support Scheme allows taxi and PHV drivers to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the 3 months from April to June. This is a temporary scheme, but it may be extended.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of the use of air curtains in indoor settings to help prevent the airborne transmission of covid-19.

Kelly Tolhurst: DfT is considering a range of potential engineering mitigations for Covid-19 on the transport network. We are following advice from SAGE which has considered the potential benefits of improved ventilation flows, however to date no assessment on the use of air curtains directly has been made.We are aware that experts are producing guidance such as the CIBSE Covid-19 Ventilation Guidance and the REHVA Covid-19 Guidance.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to introduce a covid-19 screening regime at airports that helps to protect people from that disease while enabling the travel industry to recover from the financial effect of the outbreak.

Kelly Tolhurst: The aviation sector plays a key role in our future as a global trading nation, as well as playing a critical role in local economies. The Government is working closely with the sector to enable its restart and recovery. Airlines will be asked to provide the latest Public Health England information at several stages of the passenger journey, including as part of the booking process, at check-in, and on board the aircraft. Airports are also displaying posters and digital signage relaying Government information about COVID-19. The Government’s approach to passenger screening is being kept under review as the pandemic develops. This may mean that measures and procedures change as we control the spread of, and understand more about, the virus. Any changes to our approach will be led by advice from PHE, SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Anthony Mangnall: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the financial effect on garages of the six-month extension to MOT tests in the event that the covid-19 lockdown is lifted.

Rachel Maclean: The loss of MOT fee income has been estimated at £664 million, which is based on the average cost of an MOT of £40 multiplied by the number of MOTs due over the next 6 months. This will be mitigated in part by Government support for industries affected by the ongoing pandemic.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Summertime

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the UK remaining on British Summer Time to (a) encourage active travel, (b) extend the tourist season and (c) reduce energy usage as part of the recovery plan from the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: The Government believes that the current daylight-saving arrangements represent the optimal use of the available daylight across the UK. We do not believe there is sufficient evidence to support changing the current system of clock changes, including for travel, tourism and energy usage.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Pregnancy

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 5 May to Question 39769, which paragraph of the Government guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme specifies that pregnant employees can be furloughed under that Scheme (a) if they and their employer agree and (b) they meet the normal eligibility requirements.

Paul Scully: The Job Retention Scheme has been designed to help employers retain staff during the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance explains that anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can be considered for the Scheme - where the employee and employer agree. That includes pregnant women. The limited number of exclusions are explicitly set out in the guidance.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Carbon Emissions

Damien Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the financial effect on his Department of moving to net zero carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The Department is committed to becoming net zero by 2050 at the latest and work is in progress to meet that target. It is too early to give an estimate of the financial effect on the department. The Department undertook an energy audit in 2019 and we are currently undertaking a range of works, including installation of LED lighting, to reduce our energy consumption. We have established a sustainability board to oversee our planning on net zero. Since 2010 we have:- Reduced carbon emissions by 65%- Reduced waste production by 72%- Eradicated the majority of single-use plastics, including preventing 120,000 single use coffee cups from going to landfill in 2019.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Carbon Emissions

Damien Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the non-financial effect on his Department of changes required for his Department to move to net zero carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The Department is committed to becoming net zero by 2050 at the latest and work is in progress to meet that target. It is too early to give an assessment of the non-financial effect on the Department. The Department undertook an energy audit in 2019 and we are currently undertaking a range of works, including installation of LED lighting, to reduce our energy consumption. We have established a sustainability board to oversee our planning on net zero. Since 2010 we have:- Reduced carbon emissions by 65%- Reduced waste production by 72%- Eradicated the majority of single-use plastics, including preventing 120,000 single use coffee cups from going to landfill in 2019.

Remote Working: Recruitment

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to ensure that wherever possible jobs are advertised as flexible for homeworking in increase the participation of marginalised employees.

Paul Scully: This Government is clear about the benefits of flexible working for employers and for their employees. In our manifesto we said that, subject to consultation, we would introduce measures to make flexible working the default. We consulted last year on proposals to require large employers to publish flexible working policies and to advertise jobs as suitable for flexible working.We are considering next steps. Currently, we are seeing an increase in flexible working with many businesses rapidly adapting to remote working, using new technology and finding new ways of working. As we move beyond the current situation, and the economy begins to reopen, we are very keen to do more to promote flexible working in all its forms.

Future Fund: Subsidiary Companies

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how UK startups who have a US parent company as a requirement of US accelerator programmes can access the UK’s Future Fund initiative.

Paul Scully: The Future Fund opened for applications on 20 May. The Future Fund will provide UK-based companies with convertible loans, investing between £125k and £5m, on the condition that third-party investors at least match the Future Fund’s commitment.The eligibility criteria for the scheme states that a business must be a UK incorporated limited company and if the company is a member of a corporate group, only the parent company is eligible.

Postal Services: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the Royal Mail's compliance with the Universal Service Obligation as the Royal Mail has announced the temporary ending of Saturday deliveries during the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: The Universal Service Obligation is set out in the Postal Services Act 2011. Ministers have no role in temporary changes to the service level. The regulatory conditions that require Royal Mail to deliver letters 6 days a week as part of the universal postal service also provide that Royal Mail is not required to sustain these services without interruption, suspension or restriction in the event of an emergency. Ofcom has acknowledged in this context that the COVID-19 pandemic is an emergency. There is a clear and transparent process for how longer-term changes to service standards would be considered and any changes would need to be made through secondary legislation and agreed by Parliament.

Retail Trade: China

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to (a) ensure the quality of online retail products sold to UK consumers from China and (b) enforce appropriate UK quality standards on online retail websites.

Paul Scully: When foreign companies and traders sell goods online and target UK consumers, they must comply with UK consumer protection laws. It is the responsibility of traders to ensure the products they are selling to UK consumers comply with UK law requiring that all products are safe, of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that banks are providing fair advice in the interests of small businesses on whether they should apply for financial support through the (a) Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme or (b) Bounce Back Loan Scheme.

Paul Scully: Accredited lenders are responsible for providing loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS). Businesses should approach accredited lenders in the first instance, providing information about the type and amount of finance they need to access. The lender will determine the right type of finance for a business’s needs. A full list of accredited lenders can be found on the British Business Bank website. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) allows business with a turnover of less than £45 million to access working capital (including loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance) of up to £5 million for up to six years. The Bounce Back Loan Scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and up to 25% of their turnover. The maximum loan available is £50,000. Full details of both the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) can be found on GOV.UK and the British Business Bank websites. Decision-making on whether a business is eligible to access the CBILS or the BBLS is fully delegated to the accredited lenders, and individual lending decisions remain at the discretion of these lenders. The Government continues to work closely with lenders to help SMEs access the finance they need.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Taiwan: Interpol

Martin Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support the (a) granting of observer status to Taiwan at the 89th INTERPOL General Assembly and (b) attendance of Taiwan in that organisation's (i) meetings, (ii) mechanisms and (iii) activities.

Martin Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to member states of INTERPOL to (a) grant observer status to Taiwan at the 89th General Assembly of INTERPOL, and (b) enable Taiwan to have access to that organisation's I-24/7 Global Police Communications System and key training programmes.

Nigel Adams: The UK's longstanding policy on Taiwan and international organisations has not changed. The British Government continues to hold the view that the people of Taiwan have a meaningful contribution to make towards global issues such as combatting organised crime. We therefore support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations, such as INTERPOL, where there is precedent for their involvement, where they can contribute to the global good and where there is no pre-requisite of nationhood for participation. The UK has not made any representations on Taiwan's observer status at INTERPOL this year but will work with international partners on this issue.

Libya: IRA

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has received the report from William Shawcross on UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism.

James Cleverly: The UK is committed to supporting the victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism. That is why in March 2019 the former Foreign Secretary appointed William Shawcross as the UK's Special Representative on UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. Mr Shawcross has now submitted his report. Ministers will consider the report in detail once the current need to focus on the Covid-19 crisis has abated.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of British nationals stranded in (a) Ghana, (b) India and (c) Jamaica as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working around the clock, through our Posts overseas and in London, to make sure all British people who need help are receiving the support and information they need. We have brought home over 31,700 people on 151 flights organised by the Foreign Office from 27 countries and territories. As at 15 May, these arrivals include (a) over 600 British nationals from Ghana on 29 March, 4 April and 8 April, (b) over 14,500 British nationals from India on 62 flights since 8 April and (c) over 100 British nationals from Jamaica on 8 May. It is difficult to be precise on the numbers of British travellers who still wish to return home because there have been instances of multiple registrations by the same individual, people not reporting their return to the UK via other means, and long term residents registering for flights even though they were not eligible.We are aware that there are British travellers remaining in Ghana. There are currently no commercial options available to leave Ghana. The UK Government is working closely with airlines, the Ghanaian authorities and other governments to make sure options are available for British travellers in Ghana to return to the UK as soon as possible.There are also extremely limited commercial options available to return to the UK from Jamaica. Our effort is focused on supporting their return as quickly and safely as possible. We are looking at all options to help those seeking to return to the UK and the British High Commission in Kingston is working hard to ensure that British nationals who remain in Jamaica are safe and getting the support they need.India's land borders are closed and international flights are suspended until at least 17 May. There are currently no commercial options available to leave India. There is no guarantee that flights will begin straight away once the lockdown is lifted. We are advising those who have booked a flight with a commercial airline during May to prepare for the possibility that the flight will not operate.

Iraq: Yazidis

Anthony Mangnall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he plans to make to the recently appointed Prime Minister of Iraq on support for Yazidi people in Iraq.

James Cleverly: We welcome the appointment of Mustafa al-Kadhimi as Prime Minister of Iraq. The UK is committed to supporting the new Government to address the significant economic, security, health and human rights challenges facing Iraq. As part of this we will urge the protection of minorities, including the Yezidi people, in our engagements with the new Government and emphasise the importance of reconstruction and reconciliation in those areas liberated from Daesh.

Iran: Coronavirus

Brendan O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Iran on releasing prisoners of conscience (a) Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, (b) Pastor Matthias Haghnejad and (c) Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee as a result of the threat of covid-19 to detainees in overcrowded prisons.

James Cleverly: We have regularly expressed our concerns to the Government of Iran at the ongoing incarceration of prisoners of conscience, including the sentencing of Christians for practicing their faith. The reality is that many non-Muslims in Iran face discrimination. We will continue to take action, both bilaterally and with the international community, to press Iran to improve its poor human rights record.

Northern Ireland Office

Pregnancy: Northern Ireland

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to support pregnant women in Northern Ireland that wish to continue their pregnancy.

Mr Robin Walker: Maternity and prenatal health is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland. The Government recognises the importance of consulting with experts, counselling and other support services to support women and girls through any difficult decisions. This will be a matter for the Department of Health to take forward as part of its commissioning of abortion services as a new healthcare service in line with the regulations we made and in accordance with paragraphs 85 and 86 of the CEDAW report.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many dissident republican attacks there have been in Northern Ireland in each month in the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many potential dissident republican attacks have been prevented in Northern Ireland in each month in the each of the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many potential dissident loyalist attacks have been prevented in Northern Ireland in each month in each of the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many dissident loyalist attacks there have been in Northern Ireland in each month in the each of the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many people have been injured as a result of dissident loyalist attacks in Northern Ireland in each month in each of the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many people have been injured as a result of dissident republican attacks in Northern Ireland in each month in each of the last three years.

Mr Robin Walker: This Government’s first priority is to keep people safe and secure right across the United Kingdom. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), MI5 and others who work to keep people safe from terrorism and paramilitarism, have our full support. We have provided PSNI with additional resources to tackle the terrorism threat and have also provided match funding to the NI Executive’s Tackling Paramilitarism Programme.PSNI recorded statistics relating to the security situation in Northern Ireland are the main source of official information on trends and statistics relating to the security situation.The PSNI produces statistics on incidents relating to the security situation that are reported to the police, including security related deaths, shooting and bombing incidents, paramilitary style attacks and arrests under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.Information covering the last three years is provided below.19/20 Bulletin: https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/inside-the-psni/our-statistics/security-situation-statistics/2020/march/security-situation-statistics-to-march-2020.pdf19/20 Spreadsheet: https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/inside-the-psni/our-statistics/security-situation-statistics/2020/march/march-2020-accompanying-excel-spreadsheet-for-security-website-online-15.05.2020.xls18/19 Bulletin: https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/inside-the-psni/our-statistics/security-situation-statistics/2019/march/security-situation-statistics-to-march-2019.pdf18/19 Spreadsheet: https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/inside-the-psni/our-statistics/security-situation-statistics/2019/march/march-2019-accompanying-excel-spreadsheet-for-security-website-online-17.05.2019.xls17/18 Bulletin: https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/inside-the-psni/our-statistics/security-situation-statistics/2018/annual-security-situation-statistics-report-2017-18.pdf17/18 Spreadsheet: https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/inside-the-psni/our-statistics/security-situation-statistics/archive/archive-spreadsheets/march-2018-accompanying-excel-spreadsheet-for-security-website-online-17.05.2018.xls

Department of Health and Social Care

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the names of businesses (a) that have contacted the Government offering to produce personal protective equipment and (b) whose offers have been accepted.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to assess the viability of businesses that have approached the Government to produce personal protective equipment to the necessary standard for use in the NHS and social care settings.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what mechanism he has established for the receipt and assessment of offers from businesses for the production of personal protective equipment.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what level of production of personal protective equipment he estimates will be produced by UK businesses in each of the next three months; and when that equipment will be available for use.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which UK businesses have contacted the Government with offers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE); what process the Government used to assess these offers; which offers were accepted; and when PPE from those successful offers will be available for use.

Jo Churchill: Holding answer received on 27 April 2020



As of 15 May, over 13,000 businesses have contacted the Government with offers of help on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE). Many are related to the manufacture of PPE for the National Health Service and care sectors, a vast majority of which we are taking forward, predominantly from United Kingdom-based companies but also including multinational companies. Some offers were not progressed due to financial and capability considerations.The Department engages directly with potential manufacturers to qualify and prioritise the opportunity, based on availability of/access to raw supplies, lead-times to manufacture, and other commercial considerations. Product prototypes are submitted to a Technical Product Review process, to ensure they meet essential health, safety and quality standards for PPE. Financial due diligence and fraud prevention measures are also undertaken, after which the Department can contract with the manufacturer.Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. As at 15 May, the Department has entered into contract and placed orders with eight manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. Details of this work can be found in the links below. The volumes will increase in the coming weeks.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnershipshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many UK businesses have offered support to the Government for the manufacture of personal protective equipment.

Jo Churchill: As of 15 May, over 13,000 businesses have contacted the Government with offers of help on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE). Many are related to the manufacture of PPE for the National Health Service and care sectors, a vast majority of which we are taking forward, predominantly from United Kingdom based companies but also including multinational companies. Some offers were not progressed due to financial and capability considerations.The Department engages directly with potential manufacturers to qualify and prioritise the opportunity, based on availability of/access to raw supplies, lead-times to manufacture, and other commercial considerations. Product prototypes are submitted to a Technical Product Review process, to ensure they meet essential health, safety and quality standards for PPE. Financial due diligence and fraud prevention measures are also undertaken, after which the Department can contract with the manufacturer.Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. As at 15 May, the Department has entered into contract and placed orders with 8 manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. The volumes will increase in the coming weeks. Details of this work can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnershipshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many UK businesses have been contacted by his Department to provide support in the manufacture of personal protective equipment.

Jo Churchill: As of 15 May, over 13,000 businesses have contacted the Government with offers of help on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE). Many are related to the manufacture of PPE for the National Health Service and care sectors, a vast majority of which we are taking forward, predominantly from United Kingdom based companies but also including multinational companies. Some offers were not progressed due to financial and capability considerations.The Department engages directly with potential manufacturers to qualify and prioritise the opportunity, based on availability of/access to raw supplies, lead-times to manufacture, and other commercial considerations. Product prototypes are submitted to a Technical Product Review process, to ensure they meet essential health, safety and quality standards for PPE. Financial due diligence and fraud prevention measures are also undertaken, after which the Department can contract with the manufacturer.Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. As at 15 May, the Department has entered into contract and placed orders with 8 manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. The volumes will increase in the coming weeks. Details of this work can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnershipshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal

Protective Clothing

Lee Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if the Government will take steps to prioritise the development of personal protective equipment in the UK to reduce reliance on the import of those products.

Jo Churchill: As of 15 May, over 13,000 businesses have contacted the Government with offers of help on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE). Many are related to the manufacture of PPE for the National Health Service and care sectors, a vast majority of which we are taking forward, predominantly from United Kingdom-based companies but also including multinational companies. Some offers were not progressed due to financial and capability considerations.The Department engages directly with potential manufacturers to qualify and prioritise the opportunity, based on availability of/access to raw supplies, lead-times to manufacture, and other commercial considerations. Product prototypes are submitted to a Technical Product Review process, to ensure they meet essential health, safety and quality standards for PPE. Financial due diligence and fraud prevention measures are also undertaken, after which the Department can contract with the manufacturer.Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. As at 15 May, the Department has entered into contract and placed orders with 8 manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. Details of this work can be found in the links below. The volumes will increase in the coming weeks.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnershipshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Simon Baynes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking with UK manufacturers to increase the supply of personal protective equipment.

Jo Churchill: As of 15 May, over 13,000 businesses have contacted the Government with offers of help on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE). Many are related to the manufacture of PPE for the National Health Service and care sectors, a vast majority of which we are taking forward, predominantly from United Kingdom-based companies but also including multinational companies. Some offers were not progressed due to financial and capability considerations.The Department engages directly with potential manufacturers to qualify and prioritise the opportunity, based on availability of/access to raw supplies, lead-times to manufacture, and other commercial considerations. Product prototypes are submitted to a Technical Product Review process, to ensure they meet essential health, safety and quality standards for PPE. Financial due diligence and fraud prevention measures are also undertaken, after which the Department can contract with the manufacturer.Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. As at 15 May, the Department has entered into contract and placed orders with eight manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. Details of this work can be found in the links below. The volumes will increase in the coming weeks.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnershipshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal

Protective Clothing: Manufacturing Industries

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to incentivise companies to use their manufacturing facilities to produce personal protective equipment during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: As of 15 May, over 13,000 businesses have contacted the Government with offers of help on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE). Many are related to the manufacture of PPE for the National Health Service and care sectors, a vast majority of which we are taking forward, predominantly from United Kingdom based companies but also including multinational companies. Some offers were not progressed due to financial and capability considerations.The Department engages directly with potential manufacturers to qualify and prioritise the opportunity, based on availability of/access to raw supplies, lead-times to manufacture, and other commercial considerations. Product prototypes are submitted to a Technical Product Review process, to ensure they meet essential health, safety and quality standards for PPE. Financial due diligence and fraud prevention measures are also undertaken, after which the Department can contract with the manufacturer.Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. As at 15 May, the Department has entered into contract and placed orders with 8 manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. The volumes will increase in the coming weeks. Details of this work can be found at the following links:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnershipshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal

Hospitals: Protective Clothing

Laura Farris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with Public Health England (PHE) to address concerns of frontline NHS staff working in hospital settings with covid-19 positive patients that the current PHE guidance for non-core covid-19 treatment centres, which does not include gowns or visors, leaves staff underprotected.

Jo Churchill: The COVID-19 pandemic guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) is issued jointly by the Department, Public Health Wales, Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health England and NHS England. The IPC guidance is available to view at the following link:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/881489/COVID-19_Infection_prevention_and_control_guidance_complete.pdfThe guidance provides advice on the use of personal protective equipment by healthcare staff which is dependent on the clinical care and procedures being undertaken, and the closeness of contact between staff and patients.

Protective Clothing: Coronavirus

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to incentivise companies to use their manufacturing facilities to produce personal protective equipment during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: As of 15 May, over 13,000 businesses have contacted the Government with offers of help on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE). Many are related to the manufacture of PPE for the National Health Service and care sectors, a vast majority of which we are taking forward, predominantly from United Kingdom based companies but also including multinational companies. Some offers were not progressed due to financial and capability considerations.The Department engages directly with potential manufacturers to qualify and prioritise the opportunity, based on availability of/access to raw supplies, lead-times to manufacture, and other commercial considerations. Product prototypes are submitted to a Technical Product Review process, to ensure they meet essential health, safety and quality standards for PPE. Financial due diligence and fraud prevention measures are also undertaken, after which the Department can contract with the manufacturer.Lord Deighton is leading the Government’s efforts to secure sufficient PPE and ensure this gets to where it is needed. He is also driving forward coordination of the end-to-end process design and manufacture of new domestic PPE supplies. As at 15 May, the Department has entered into contract and placed orders with 8 manufacturers to provide millions of items of PPE products to the National Health Service and carers. The volumes will increase in the coming weeks. Details of this work can be found in the following links:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-more-items-of-ppe-for-frontline-staff-from-new-business-partnershipshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/70-million-face-masks-for-nhs-and-care-workers-through-new-industry-deal

Department for Education

Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the proposals by the National Education Union for provision of personal protective equipment to staff working in SEND settings where pupil behaviour poses a risk of airborne transmission of covid-19; and if he will make a statement.

Vicky Ford: To prevent the spread of coronavirus, education, childcare and children’s social care settings must use a range of protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission of infection. This includes:making sure that pupils do not attend if they or a member of their household has symptomspromoting high standards of hand and respiratory hygienecleaning touched surfaces more frequentlyminimising contact and mixing as much as possibleusing (Personal Protective Equipment) PPE where appropriateWhere PPE is recommended, this means that:a facemask should be worn if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained from someone with symptoms of coronavirusif contact is necessary, then gloves, an apron and a facemask should be wornif a risk assessment determines that there is a risk of fluids entering the eye from, for example, coughing, spitting or vomiting, then eye protection should also be wornThe majority of staff in education, childcare and children’s social care settings will not require PPE beyond what they would normally need for their work, even if they are not always able to maintain distance of 2 metres from others. Additional PPE is only needed if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained from any child, young person or other learner displaying coronavirus symptoms.There are a small number of medical procedures which increase the risk of transmission through aerosols (tiny droplets) being transferred from the patient to the care giver. These are known as aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). These are undertaken for a very small number of children with complex needs, such as those receiving tracheostomy care. Staff performing AGPs should follow Public Health England’s personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance on aerosol generating procedures, and wear the correct PPE which is:a FFP 2/3 respiratorglovesa long-sleeved fluid repellent gowneye protectionThe respirator required for AGPs must be fitted correctly (known as ‘fit testing’) by an individual trained to do this. Staff in education and children’s social care settings that need support with fit testing should contact the appropriate health lead for the child/young person. This could be either via the Designated Clinical Officer for special educational needs and disabilities for support from the local Clinical Commissioning Group, or via the lead nursing team in the health provider. The full guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-ppe#ppe-guidance-by-healthcare-context.The department has worked with Public Health England to develop further guidance on safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of PPE. This guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe.

Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of (a) local authorities and (b) health bodies are using the (i) statutory guidance set out in the Children and Families Act 2014 to meet SEND children’s educational and health care and (b) reasonable endeavours duty set out in the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Vicky Ford: Since 20 March, the majority of children and young people have not been attending education settings. Children with education, health and care (EHC) plans have only been attending education settings where a risk assessment has determined that their needs cannot safely be met at home. This means it may not be possible for local authorities and commissioning health bodies to deliver the special educational provision that would normally be delivered in an education setting (for example, social skills training in small groups, or the delivery of a personalised curriculum with 1-1 support from a teaching assistant).Because of these exceptional circumstances, some aspects of the law on EHC needs assessments and plans have changed temporarily to strike the right balance between:the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to be protected and receive the right support in a timely waymanaging the demands on local authorities and health bodies to respond to the outbreakMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has issued a notice to modify temporarily the duty on local authorities and health commissioning bodies to secure or arrange the provision specified in EHC plans so that they can discharge this by using their ‘reasonable endeavours’. The modified duty applies to all local authorities and health commissioning bodies in England.The modified duty relates to the provision for each individual child and young person. Local authorities and health commissioning bodies must not apply blanket policies about the provision to be secured or arranged. Instead, in deciding what provision must be secured or arranged in discharge of its modified duty, the local authority and health commissioning body should consider: specific local circumstances; the needs of and circumstances specific to each child and young person with an EHC plan and the views of children, young people and their parents as to what might be appropriate.We are continuing to monitor local authorities and health commissioning bodies, including the ways in which they are discharging this modified duty. We know that there are some excellent examples of where local authorities and health commissioning bodies have put alternative arrangements in place to support children and young people with EHC plans – for example, through arranging for therapy sessions to be delivered over video, or providing sensory kits for children with the most profound needs.We are committed to ceasing this temporary change to the duty on local authorities and health commissioning bodies to secure or arrange the provision specified in EHC plans at the earliest opportunity and will keep these measures under close review.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what meetings he held with the National Education Union on the proposals outlined in the Prime Minister's statement of 10 May 2020 prior to that statement being made.

Nick Gibb: The Department has worked closely with the sector, including unions such as the National Educational Union (NEU), and will continue to do so over the coming weeks to support the wider opening of schools, colleges and childcare settings. Throughout this process, the Department has hugely valued the dialogue we are having with unions and school leaders to inform our decisions, and we need to maintain this dialogue.Details of engagement with NEU:Weekly meetings with senior policy officials and key stakeholders including main teaching unions, governance, social care, school trusts and local government;A weekly meeting with wider stakeholders including support staff, further education and school business organisations;A weekly meeting between my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, and the main teaching unions and stakeholder groups; andAd hoc additional stakeholder meetings to address key issues as and when they arise.

Students: Coronavirus

Matt Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that university students receive value for money from student fees during the covid-19 outbreak.

Michelle Donelan: The government recognises the challenges facing students and supports them in their desire to continue receiving the best possible learning experience from our higher education providers. This is a difficult and uncertain time for students, but we are working with the sector to make sure all reasonable efforts are being made to enable students to continue their studies.The Office for Students (OfS), the regulator in England, has committed to protecting students throughout the present crisis and has produced guidance on practical ways in which students can complete their studies whilst ensuring quality and standards are upheld. This guidance is clear that standards must be maintained - further details are available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-quality-and-standards-during-coronavirus-pandemic/. The government is also working closely with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education to ensure students continue to leave university with qualifications that have real value, reflect their hard work and allow people to progress.We have seen some fantastic and innovative examples of high-quality online learning being delivered by higher education providers across the country and the sector is working hard to provide learning materials for the summer and autumn terms. Our priority now is to maintain the integrity of higher education qualifications and the achievement of students’ learning aims. The government expects universities to continue delivering a high quality academic experience and help students to achieve qualifications that they and employers will value.Universities are autonomous and responsible for setting their own fees. In deciding to keep charging full fees, universities will of course want to ensure that they can continue to deliver courses which are fit for purpose and which help students progress their qualifications. If providers are unable to facilitate good online tuition, then they should seek to avoid charging students for any additional terms they may need to undergo as a consequence – avoiding effectively charging them twice. Whether or not an individual student is entitled to a refund of fees will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between the provider and student.If students have concerns, there is a process in place. They should first raise their concerns with their university. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at providers based in England or Wales can contact the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education to ask them to consider their complaint.

GCE A-level: Assessments

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what guidance his Department has issued to (a) schools and (b) colleges on assessing the grades of students that are due to resit A-level examinations.

Nick Gibb: These are matters for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I have asked its Chief Regulator, Sally Collier, to write the hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Pupils: Coronavirus

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will publish guidance for parents on whether pupils that live in a household with a shielded person should return to school.

Nick Gibb: Keeping people safe continues to be the Government’s main priority. We have been clear that the re-opening of schools must be done in a way that is measured, reduces risk, is guided by science and ensures that safety remains the absolute priority.That is why, on 11 May, we published guidance for parents and carers to help them prepare for the opening of schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June. This guidance is clear that children and young people who live in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable and shielding should only attend school if stringent social distancing can be adhered to; and where the child or young person is able to understand and follow those instructions. The guidance is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-june#should-i-keep-my-child-at-home-if-they-have-an-underlying-health-condition-or-live-with-someone-in-a-clinically-vulnerable-group.If a child or young person lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, they can attend their education or childcare setting. The Department will continue to ensure parents and carers receive clear guidance based on the latest scientific advice.

Schools: Trade Unions

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many meetings he has had since 16 March 2020 with school (a) leadership unions, (b) teaching unions and (c) support staff unions.

Nick Gibb: The Department has been engaging widely with a wide range of stakeholders at both official and ministerial level, including headteacher, teacher and support staff unions, including through meetings listed below.Details of weekly engagement are set out below:Weekly meetings with senior policy officials and key stakeholders along with other main teaching unions, governance, social care, school trusts and local government;A weekly meeting with wider stakeholders including support staff, further education and school business organisations;Weekly calls for evidence from key stakeholders on key policy questions to inform decision making on reopening;Weekly meetings between my right hon. Friend, my right hon. Friend, Secretary of State for Education and the main teaching unions and stakeholder groups; andAd hoc additional stakeholder meetings to address key issues as and when they arise.

Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to reimburse schools that have bought school meal vouchers for pupils in cases where parents have been unable to access the Edenred voucher system.

Vicky Ford: As both my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.We are committed to ensuring that no child should go hungry as a result of the measures introduced by government during this period. This is why we have introduced a number of immediate measures to ensure children who usually receive free school meals still have access to this provision while they are not attending school.During this period, we are asking schools to support children who are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals, by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. However, we recognise that food parcel arrangements may not always be possible, and so at the end of March we launched a national voucher scheme to provide schools with additional flexibility to decide what is best for families in their schools. This was an unprecedented intervention to support eligible children during this period.Voucher codes are being processed through the national scheme and many thousands of families are redeeming them. Edenred has reported that over 17,000 schools have placed orders for the scheme and as of Wednesday 20 May, Edenred reported that more than £96 million worth of voucher codes have been redeemed into supermarket e-gift cards by schools and families. We have been working closely with Edenred to improve the scheme, and we thank schools using the system for their patience while it has been upgraded to meet increased demand.We understand that alternative approaches, such as providing food parcels or purchasing vouchers for shops not in the national scheme, may mean that schools incur additional costs. We have published guidance on the financial support available for schools who incur these additional costs in this way here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools.Schools will be able to claim up to a certain limit, depending on their number of pupils, and where they are unable to meet these additional costs from their existing resources, or which they could only meet by drawing down on reserves and undermining their long-term financial sustainability. In exceptional instances where individual schools face additional costs that are higher than the grant’s limits, schools will be able to apply to increase their limit.Our latest guidance for schools on free school meals provision during this period is set out here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools.These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

Children: Coronavirus

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether parents who are concerned that their children returning to school in May, June or July will be at risk from covid-19 and associated conditions will be able to keep them at home and away from school at least until the commencement of the September term.

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether parents who do not let their child return to school as covid-19 lockdown measures are eased will face fines for their child’s non-attendance.

Nick Gibb: From the week commencing 1 June, at the earliest, we will be asking primary schools to welcome back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers). We will only do this provided that the five key tests set by government justify the changes at the time.By returning pupils gradually, settings can initially reduce the number of children and young people in classrooms compared to usual and put protective measures in place to reduce risks.Eligible children – including priority groups - are strongly encouraged to attend their education setting, unless they are self-isolating or they are clinically vulnerable. Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time and schools will not be held to account for attendance levels.Further guidance for parents and carers can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers.

Schools: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will produce an equality impact assessment of his policy to reopen schools.

Nick Gibb: When making decisions about asking school leaders to prepare to welcome back more children to schools, we have had due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and to advance equality of opportunities and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not as required by section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. We are keeping our assessment of those matters under review in the lead up to 1 June.

Skilled Workers

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to help ensure that people have the skills they need for future roles; and what steps he is taking to re-skill people who do not have skills to meet the economic requirements of the UK.

Gillian Keegan: We are delivering a long-term programme to reform the post-16 skills system to address national and local productivity challenges, ensuring that businesses and individuals have the skills they need to meet the needs of the new economy. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has also announced that we are working on a White Paper that will deliver ambitious reform in our vital further education sector. These reforms include involving employers in the design of new apprenticeship standards to ensure they are more responsive to their needs. 74% of new starts in 2019/20 so far are on standards (rather than frameworks) and the switch-off of frameworks is going ahead on the 31 July. We are also Introducing T-Levels from this September. Designed by employers, with longer teaching hours and meaningful industry placements, T-Levels will be excellent preparation for skilled work or further training. Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, we are continuing with introduction in September as planned. Additionally, the Adult Education Budget will fully fund or co-fund skills provision for eligible adults aged 19 and above from pre-entry to level 3 (including traineeships), to help them gain the skills they need for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. Over the course of this Parliament, we are providing £2.5 billion (£3 billion when including Barnett funding for devolved administrations) for a new National Skills Fund to help people learn new skills and prepare for the economy of the future.

Schools: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that transport for children to travel to school during the covid-19 outbreak is safe.

Nick Gibb: Parents and children should consider walking and cycling to school where possible or driving if necessary. They should avoid the use of public transport where possible. The Department for Transport has published guidance on safer travel for the public. Parents and children may wish to refer to the guidance when planning their journeys, and to help them minimise risk where the use of public transport is unavoidable. The guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers.Some children have their home to school transport arranged by their local authority or school. Local authorities and schools should put in place arrangements which fit local circumstances and minimise the risk of transmission, as far as is possible. This should include ensuring transport providers follow hygiene rules. They may wish to refer to the Department for Transport’s guidance for transport operators, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-transport-guidance-for-operators.The phased wider opening of schools will limit the number of children travelling on home to school transport in the initial phase. Where transport capacity allows, local authorities could consider substituting smaller vehicles with larger ones, or running 2 vehicles rather than one, to reduce the number of passengers per vehicle and help passengers keep their distance.We are in contact with local authorities to help resolve issues as they arise.

Languages: Secondary Education

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of Key Stage Four students are studying a foreign language.

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of Key Stage Five students are studying a foreign language.

Nick Gibb: The percentage of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 entering a modern foreign language in state-funded schools in England is 46.7% for 2018/19. The percentage of pupils between the ages 16 to 18, eligible for reporting in performance tables, who entered a modern foreign language for A level exams in state-funded schools and colleges in England at the end of Key Stage 5 was 7.5% for 2018/19.

Children: Disadvantaged

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many times (a) he and (b) Minister and officials of his Department have met (i) children in care and (ii) children identified as being in need in the last six months.

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department plans to publish guidance to local safeguarding partnerships on how to respond to covid-19.

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) referrals made to children’s services and (b) social care placements since the beginning of the covid-19 outbreak.

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions officials in his Department have had with (a) Public Health England and (b) officials in other Government departments on the effect on children's services of changes to health visiting during the covid-19 outbreak.

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions his Department has had with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on (a) changes to the operation of the Troubled Families programme during the covid-19 outbreak and (b) the effect of those changes on children’s services.

Vicky Ford: As both my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.Our latest guidance on vulnerable children is set out below:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-schools-and-other-educational-settings.These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.Ministers and officials meet regularly with children in care and their representatives, as well as with those that represent children in need.Officials and ministers are also in regular contact with colleagues from other departments. These departments, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and associated agencies, have provided a range of guidance for relevant staff and practitioners and continue to provide updates as needed.The department, along with the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, has put out a communication to safeguarding partnerships and officials from the department, the Home Office and DHSC are in weekly contact with representatives from the safeguarding partnerships to work with them during the pandemic.The department has recently launched a new local authority data collection to capture up-to-date information on both the number of referrals to children’s social care and children starting to be looked after. We are currently reviewing the responses to the survey and analysing the data. The findings will inform the department’s on-going support to local authorities in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families.Following temporary amendments to The Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations, the department has published comprehensive guidance for children’s social care services. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-childrens-social-care-services.

Ministry of Justice

Remand in Custody: Children

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Youth Justice Statistics, England and Wales, April 2018 to March 2019, published on 30 January 2020, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies on the use of remand for children of the finding that 66 per cent of children given a remand to youth detention accommodation did not subsequently receive a custodial sentence.

Lucy Frazer: The decision on whether a child should be remanded into custody is a matter for our independent judiciary. We are clear that custody, including custodial remand, should always be used as a last resort for children, and the remand framework ensures the court considers all other options, including bail and remand into local authority accommodation, before remanding a child to custody. We are currently undertaking work to consider the use of youth custodial remand and in due course we aim to identify options to reduce the numbers of children remanded to custody where appropriate, while ensuring victims and the public are protected.

Prisons: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the accessibility of (a) physical and (b) mental healthcare provision in prisons and other custodial facilities due to (i) staff absence and (ii) redeployment of healthcare resources; and what assessment he has made of the level of reported anxiety among prisoners due to extended period of confinement to cells during the outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: The Government takes the health of prisoners very seriously. NHS England commission healthcare in prisons and the Ministry of Justice is working with health partners to continually monitor the health and wellbeing of people in prisons and other custodial facilities during COVID-19. COVID-19 presents a unique set of challenges that we must address to keep prisoners safe. To mitigate these, we are operating a National Response Model in prisons, and working very closely with public health authorities to ensure our approach is based on the best scientific advice available. Detail regarding the redeployment of healthcare staff and resources is not held by the MoJ and should be requested from NHS England. However, people in prison continue to be given access to services including health services, telephone contact with loved ones and, where possible, time in the open air. We are also taking further action to support the mental and physical wellbeing of people in custody. We continue to make the Samaritans phone service available, and are working with the Samaritans to ensure that the Listener peer support scheme continues to function effectively. To address anxiety and boredom, we are also providing distraction packs and in cell activities and providing time in the open air where possible. We are continuing to provide care and support to people at risk of self-harm or suicide through ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) case management. For those with severe mental health issues, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the process for transfer to hospital continues in as normal a way as possible. Measures are also being taken to protect prisoners with particularly vulnerable physical health from COVID-19. Prisoners identified in accordance with NHS guidance as being ‘extremely vulnerable’ to COVID-19 are being proactively considered for release from custody under existing Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) provisions. Where a prisoner falling within this category is considered not suitable for release, they will continue to be appropriately shielded within custody.

Remand in Custody: Children

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the proportions of the unconvicted children held on remand in youth detention accommodation during 2019 who were remanded to that accommodation on the basis of consideration of each of the following sets of conditions, with reference to the Youth Court Bench Book published in August 2017: (a) 31 a, b, ci, di; (b) 31 a, b, ci, dii; (c) 31 a, b, cii, di; (d) 31 a, b, cii, dii; (e) 32 a, b, c, di, ei, fi; (f) 32 a, b, c, di, ei, fii; (g) 32 a, b, c, di, eii, fi; (h) 32 a, b, c, di, eii, fii; (i) 32 a, b, c, dii, ei, fi; (j) 32 a, b c, dii, ei, fii; (k) 32 a, b, c, dii, eii, fi; and (l) 32 a, b, c, dii, eii, fii.

Lucy Frazer: The Ministry of Justice routinely publishes the number of unconvicted children on remand (including in youth detention accommodation), which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-december-2018. Figures for 2019 will be published later in May. The Ministry of Justice does not centrally hold data on reasons why children are held on remand. The decision on whether a child should be remanded into custody is a matter for our independent judiciary. We are clear that custody, including custodial remand, should always be used as a last resort for children, and the remand framework ensures the court considers all other options, including bail and remand into local authority accommodation, before remanding a child to custody. We are currently undertaking work to consider the use of youth custodial remand and in due course we aim to identify options to reduce the numbers of children remanded to custody where appropriate, while ensuring victims and the public are protected.

Remand in Custody: Children

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an estimate of the proportion of unconvicted children held on remand during 2019 who were denied bail on the basis of (a) the child’s own welfare or protection, (b) the child already being in custody serving a sentence, (c) there being insufficient information relating to the case, (d) the child already having been on bail during the proceedings and having been arrested for breach of those bail conditions, and (e) it being impracticable to complete enquiries or make a report unless the child is in custody.

Lucy Frazer: The Ministry of Justice routinely publishes the number of unconvicted children on remand, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-december-2018. Figures for 2019 will be published later in May. The Ministry of Justice does not centrally hold data on the reasons why children are held on remand or why they were refused bail. The decision to grant or refuse bail is a matter for our independent judiciary. There is a general presumption to bail in criminal proceedings, but there are exceptions to this. The remand framework ensures the court considers all options, including bail and community remand options, before a remand into custody would be considered. We are currently undertaking work to consider the use of youth custodial remand and in due course we aim to identify options to reduce the numbers of children remanded to custody where appropriate, while ensuring victims and the public are protected.

Prisoners: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of potential effect on prisoner (a) discipline and order issues, (b) self-harm and (c) suicides on the custodial estate due to the continuation of covid-19 lockdown measures on the custodial estate while lockdown measures are being relaxed in the wider community.

Lucy Frazer: COVID-19 presents a unique set of challenges to maintaining safety in custody. We have taken temporary measures to restrict prison regimes and cease all non-essential activities involving groups of people. This includes social visits, education, non-essential work, association, and access to the gymnasium. However, prisoners are given access to essential services including meals, showers, telephone contact with loved ones, access to health services, and time in the open air where possible. This does unfortunately mean that prisoners will spend more time in their cells, which we recognise may increase the risk of self-harm or violence. We have provided guidance to Governors on the risks of isolation on both self-harm and violence and a range of materials have been provided to help mitigate this risk, including distraction packs and in-cell activities. In recognition of the positive impact that family contact can have in terms of a prisoners’ mental health, we have provided locked mobile handsets for those without in-cell telephony. Additionally, we are extending the ‘email a prisoner’ facility to all sites. Following a successful trial at HMP Berwyn, we are rolling out secure video calls to 10 other institutions this week, with a wider roll-out in the coming weeks. Time-limited calls will be made either by prisoners making a call request to their designated contact or by families who can request a time slot through a mobile app or directly with the establishment. The increased access to phones will also facilitate access to the Listener scheme run by the Samaritans. These measures are part of the nationwide efforts to control the virus and save lives. We will regularly review these restrictions taking into account the best public health advice and the impact of any changes on the safety and stability of prisons.

Coroners

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what additional resources her Department has allocated to coroners to help them to release bodies to next of kin in a timely manner to comply with religious orthodoxy.

Alex Chalk: Coroners services are funded by local authorities. Councils can support their local coronial services using the £1.6bn of funding announced by Government on 18 April, which was made available to support local authorities with costs of responding to Covid-19, including the costs of death management.

Legal Aid Scheme: Domestic Abuse

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of legal aid provision for victims of domestic abuse during the covid-19 lockdown.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she has taken to provide non means-tested legal aid for victims of domestic abuse during the covid-19 outbreak.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he had made of the effect of means testing for legal aid on victims of domestic abuse.

Alex Chalk: Victims of domestic abuse must have access to the help they need - including legal aid, which is subject to a means and merits test. We are working closely with practitioners to understand the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on victims and this week the Government announced funding of £800,000 for a helpline and email service to assist unrepresented victims applying for an emergency protective order from the courts. The Legal Aid Agency is exercising flexibility with regard to the evidential requirements in relation to the means test to mitigate the effects caused by lockdown measures. This includes suspending the time limits by which applicants are expected to submit the substantive legal aid application with supporting means evidence (such as bank statements) and allowing practitioners to submit applications with electronic signatures from the client. We recognise that victims of domestic abuse may need legal aid quickly in emergency situations, so there is already an eligibility cap waiver in place, which means that an applicant for a protective injunction may be eligible for legal aid even if they have income or capital above the thresholds in the means test, though they may have to pay a financial contribution towards their legal costs. We are currently conducting a review of the means test, as part of which we are considering the experiences of particular groups of legal aid applicants – including victims of domestic abuse.

Legal Opinion: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what additional funding he plans to make available to (a) Citizens Advice, (b) Law Centres and (c) other advice organisations in the not-for-profit sector to meet a potential rise in the demand for their services due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Alex Chalk: We recognise the essential role of not-for-profit advice sector organisations in local communities across the country, and we support them in this vital work.We also recognise that this is an exceptionally difficult time for these not-for-profit advice sector organisations as they are having to adapt their services whilst dealing with significant disruption to their income streams.That is why we announced £5.4 million that has been allocated to the not for profit providers of specialist legal advice.£3 million of this will be earmarked specifically for Law Centres. The remaining £2.4m will be allocated to the Access to Justice Foundation Community Justice Fund to distribute among other not-for-profit providers of specialist advice.This is in addition to the £370m of funding that the National Lottery Communities Fund is administering, which qualifying third sector organisations, including those within the advice sector, will be able to bid for.Both the £5.4m the Government is allocating to advice providers, and the funding that these organisations will be able to apply for from the National Lottery Communities Fund will go some way to help support these vital organisations. Where appropriate it will also enable them to expand their operations to meet growing demand for legal support across England and Wales.The Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy has secured additional funding for the national charities, Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland and is intending to announce details soon. Both conduct vital work to support individuals to manage throughout the covid-19 outbreak, particularly by helping them find appropriate support.

Legal Aid Scheme

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to expedite claims made to the Legal Aid Agency by civil legal aid practitioners.

Alex Chalk: The LAA is working to ensure it can continue to support the legal support sector, helping them maintain access to justice to their vulnerable clients. Details of what financial relief may be available for practitioners facing cashflow problems can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-relief-for-legal-aid-practitioners.Timescales for the payments of civil bills are published at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-processing-dates, and claims are currently being considered within three working days of being received. Providers may request payment ‘on account’ where necessary, subject to any applicable conditions set out in the relevant contract/regulations, to put them in funds while the billing assessment process is completed.The LAA continues to review what more might be done to ease both immediate liquidity concerns, and also to consider the potential impacts of any future losses of income on providers.

Department for International Trade

World Trade Organisation

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what the UK's policy is on the future of the World Trade Organisation.

Greg Hands: The UK believes a strong, rules based, multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core, is in the best interests of all nations. The UK is working to strengthen and reform the WTO, so it can continue to deliver a free, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent framework for trade between countries. This will play an important role in resolving the economic effects of the global pandemic. We are engaging closely with the WTO Secretariat and the wider Membership to achieve an early resumption of the WTO’s regular work. Our priorities are making progress on updating the WTO rulebook, in particular in the areas of digital, services and the environment, and to improve transparency. We continue to support a fully-functioning dispute settlement system with an appeal function and remain committed to finding a permanent resolution to the impasse of the Appellate Body.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Almshouses: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the role of almshouses in local authorities housing vulnerable people after the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will take steps to ensure the continuing viability of almshouses.

Luke Hall: Almshouses play an important role in providing affordable homes, and often support, for older and other vulnerable residents in need. I have no doubt that many local authorities across the country similarly value the role that almshouses can play in helping to meet housing need in their area, and that councils will be using their local knowledge to engage with local almshouses providers to assess any scope they may have to help during this period. The Government absolutely values the dedication and work of the trustees and volunteers who run our almshouses, and particularly so during the current pandemic.The Government has given councils over £3.2 billion additional funding to help them fund essential services for the vulnerable during the pandemic. The Government has also announced that charities across the United Kingdom will receive £750 million to help them continue to deliver services to the vulnerable. This includes £370 million for small and medium-sized charities, through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund for charities in England.

High Rise Flats: Bolton

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if the Government will publish the Building Research Establishment report on the fire at the Cube building in Bolton on 15 November 2019.

Christopher Pincher: We expect the final report on the Bolton Cube fire from Building Research Establishment imminently. We have shared the interim report with BRAC, the Expert Panel and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. It is important that we understand all the facts around the incident and we must look to the final report to understand the complete picture. We will review the full findings with the Expert Panel and act where necessary to ensure the advice to building owners is up to date.

Fire Prevention: Coronavirus

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress his Department has made on providing transitional support to cover the costs of waking watch schemes during the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: Interim measures such as waking watch should only ever be short term and are not a substitute for remediation. Lord Greenhalgh, the new Minister with responsibility for building safety, is investigating what can be done to reduce the cost of waking watch, and to ensure that waking watches, where they are required, can continue during the current Covid-19 restrictions.We continue to take action to support remediation, including significant funding of £1 billion for non-ACM cladding remediation, on top of the existing £600 million for ACM remediation, so that work to make buildings safe can continue as quickly as possible.

High Rise Flats: Insulation

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has scheduled a meeting with representatives from the insurance industry on the high cost of insurance cover for residents of housing blocks with dangerous cladding.

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans his Department has to provide financial support to residents and leaseholders of buildings who face high insurance costs as a result of their building's dangerous cladding.

Christopher Pincher: On 13 and 21 May, the Minister for Building Safety held roundtables with representatives of the insurance industry. This was to address some of the insurance challenges impacting on residents of high-rise residential buildings. A number of options were discussed and are being considered further.

Buildings: Safety

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he will take to consult leaseholders and residents on the priorities for the Building Safety Fund.

Christopher Pincher: Engagement with leaseholders has informed Government's decision to provide £1 billion of funding to support the remediation of buildings with unsafe non-ACM cladding in high-rise residential buildings. We are regularly engaging with key stakeholder groups to understand their views ahead of the launch of the Building Safety Fund and this engagement remains ongoing.

Repossession Orders: Coronavirus

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the number of homes that could be repossessed due to the economic effects of the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: The Department does not forecast future repossession rates. Currently, both arrears and repossession rates are close to historically low levels.The Government is determined that lenders should treat borrowers fairly. The independent Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is responsible for the regulations that are in place to protect customers in their dealings with financial services firms, and these include at their heart a requirement that firms must deal fairly with customers in payment difficulties. Their rules require lenders to consider a variety of options to help the borrower cope with these difficulties and any agreed solution should meet the needs of both borrower and lender.The Government has been working to keep repossessions at a minimum at this time. The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including an initial £330 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15 per cent of UK GDP. This includes the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which will help keep people in employment, protecting livelihoods and helping people to remain in their homes. On 17 March the Chancellor announced, on behalf of the sector, that banks and building societies will offer a ‘mortgage holiday’ for borrowers struggling financially as a result of COVID-19. This forbearance measure enables affected borrowers to defer their mortgage payments while they get back on their feet. Lenders have also agreed to a moratorium on residential and Buy-to-Let possession action to provide customers with reassurance that they will not have their homes repossessed at this difficult time. The Master of the Rolls, with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor, has also suspended all ongoing and new housing possession cases for 90 days from 27 March 2020. These measures have been strengthened by the Financial Conduct Authority’s new draft guidance for lenders which sets out the expectations for firms and the options available to their customers. This includes extending the application period for a mortgage holiday until 31 October so customers that have not yet had a payment holiday and are experiencing financial difficulty will be able to request one. In combination, these measures will serve to protect homeowners from repossession at this time.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Coronavirus

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to ensure that military personnel that are critical for national security are tested for covid-19.

James Heappey: The Ministry of Defence is using a range of measures, including testing, to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 to its personnel and staff.Defence personnel are included within the national testing programme established by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the National Health Service. Testing has also been incorporated into Defence's wider strategy of risk-reduction measures, collectively minimising the potential risk to personnel operating at home and overseas.Defence has continued to maintain its critical operational outputs throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, in addition to supporting wider Government, the NHS and Devolved Administrations in their response to COVID-19 and will continue doing so wherever it is required.

Armed Forces: Coronavirus

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the level of capacity for covid-19 testing of military personnel that are required to maintain full military capabilities.

James Heappey: Defence personnel are included within the national testing programme established and led by the Department for Health and Social Care and the National Health Service.There is sufficient capacity and testing has been incorporated into Defence's wider strategy of risk-reduction measures to minimise the potential risk to personnel operating at home and overseas.Defence has continued to maintain its operational output throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, in addition to supporting wider Government, the NHS and Devolved Administrations in their response to COVID-19 and will continue doing so wherever it is required.

Armed Forces: Coronavirus

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the testing of the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth for covid-19, if he will provide details of the other groups of military personnel that have been tested for that disease.

James Heappey: Testing has been incorporated into Defence's wider strategy of risk-reduction measures to minimise the potential risk to personnel deploying overseas.Defence has continued to maintain its critical operational outputs throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, and carefully monitors the risk to all Defence personnel.Figures for Armed Forces personnel who have been tested positive for COVID-19, or have been hospitalised, are included within the overall Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) figures. The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish the number of tests administered to Defence personnel, nor the number of positive or negative cases of COVID-19.

Department for Work and Pensions

Social Security Benefits: Surveys

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish the questionnaire used for the Claimant Experience Survey 2018-19.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



We do not have a copy of the questionnaire available in a suitable format that fully reflects both the questions asked and routing of this survey (it is scripted for telephone interviewing). We have, however, produced a Word document that details the full set of questions as at quarter 3 of the survey year in 2018/19, which relates to questions being asked in the latest fieldwork period. Please note that:the questions asked have changed over time; andsome questions are only asked of a sub-sample of claimants and this is not reflected in this document.

Universal Credit: Coronavirus

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish data on new claims for universal credit since the covid-19 social distancing guidelines were introduced, at a constituency level.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



The Department publishes Management Information each week on the numbers of declarations to Universal Credit since the 1 March. This information is available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-declarations-claims-and-advances-management-information.Data at Constituency Level is not available.

Industrial Health and Safety

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many spot checks have been conducted by the Health and Safety Executive in each of the last 10 years.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



Information on the number of proactive inspections carried out from 2011/12 is published in the Health and Safety Executive’s Annual Reports and Accounts which can be found here. HSE aims to publish figures for 2019/20 during the summer. Figures on the numbers of inspections were not required as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s targets or performance measures prior to 2011/12 and were therefore not collated.

Child Maintenance Service: Coronavirus

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many staff from the Child Maintenance Service have been temporarily redeployed to other service areas in her Department in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: We have received an unprecedented number of benefit claims and are prioritising getting people that support, while maintaining an essential Child Maintenance Service. To ensure claims are processed and people are paid on time we have already moved over 8,000 existing staff from across DWP to help with that work. We are clear that no parent should be using this time as an excuse not to pay what they owe. Those found to be abusing the system at this difficult time could find themselves subject to the full extent of our enforcement powers. At the start of the situation within the Child Maintenance Group, 1667 people were deployed.

Universal Credit

Mohammad Yasin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of universal credit on childcare payments.

Will Quince: The Government is committed to helping parents into work and childcare costs should not be a barrier to this. Universal Credit pays up to 85% of childcare costs, compared to up to 70% in legacy benefits and can be claimed up to a month before starting a job. In cases where people need to pay for childcare upfront, prior to starting work, Work Coaches can use the Flexible Support Fund to meet these costs until their first wage is received.

Industrial Health and Safety

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that complaints made to Health & Safety Executive on workplace risk are not prevented from progressing because employees are concerned about disclosing to employers that a complaint has been made.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



Under normal conditions, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would cover a site visit to investigate a complaint that cannot be disclosed, by telling the business that they have been selected for an inspection. However, during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, HSE has not carried out routine pro-active inspections and has therefore not been able to follow concerns unless the fact of the complaint being made can be disclosed. Now that movement restrictions have been eased, inspectors are visiting workplaces following up any reports or concerns about safety in the workplace including over Covid and ensuring compliance. On the spot inspections are expected to resume imminently. For any disclosable concerns that HSE does follow up, it will always maintain anonymity if the complainant makes this request. HSE has stated its policy about handling non-disclosable concerns in the first phase of pandemic restrictions on its web page for reporting a complaint where it also promises to review the position as the restrictions ease.

Industrial Health and Safety: Coronavirus

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Health and Safety Executive proactively inspects workplaces where employees are known to be at heightened risk from covid-19.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



Following the Government’s announcement that additional funds are being made available to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to support their work, and the publication of guidance by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy on 11th May 2020 on working safely during the coronavirus pandemic, inspectors are visiting workplaces to follow up any reports or concerns about safety in the workplace and on the spot inspections are expected to resume imminently.HSE takes a risk-based approach when identifying workplaces to inspect. In addition, HSE continues to address reported workplace concerns with employers, including those relating to employees with a heightened risk from Covid-19.

Poverty: Children

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that there is no increase in levels of child poverty as a result of the economic effects of the covid-19 outbreak.

Will Quince: This Government committed to supporting everyone through this emergency and has announced an unprecedented programme of support to mitigate the strain that Covid-19 is putting on households, livelihoods, businesses and our nation’s economy. This includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, both of which are helping to protect people’s livelihoods.We have also taken steps to strengthen our safety net welfare system, which will provide over £6.5bn of additional support. Measures include:Increasing Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by over £1,000 a year for this financial year, benefiting over 4 million households.Increasing Local Housing Allowance rates - putting an average of £600 into people’s pockets.

Universal Credit and Welfare Tax Credits

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has had discussions with children’s organisations on a potential increase in the child element of universal credit and child tax credit; and if she will make a statement.

Will Quince: The child element of universal credit and child tax credit have recently increased as part of the annual uprating of benefits.

Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she has taken to provide additional support for people in receipt of legacy benefits during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: The Government has announced a suite of measures that can be quickly and effectively operationalised to benefit those facing the most financial disruption during the pandemic. These announced measures that have a positive impact on legacy and other working age benefits include:Providing more support for benefit claimants in the Private Rented Sector by increasing Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile, helping to alleviate affordability challenges, which will provide additional support for those receiving Housing Support.Suspending the requirement for people applying for or receiving benefits to attend jobcentre appointments, which started from Thursday 19 March 2020.Allowing disabled and sick claimants who cannot attend a reassessment for Personal Independence Payments, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit to continue to receive their payments while their assessment is rearranged.Allowing carers to retain their entitlement to Carer’s Allowance if they have a temporary break in caring as a result of isolation due to, or infection or contamination with, coronavirus disease of either the carer or the person cared for.The 1.7% benefit up-rating was implemented in April, ending the benefits freeze, and the state pension rose by 3.9%, as per the triple lock, reflecting last year’s substantial rise in average earnings, In addition, we have provided local authorities with £500m to support the most vulnerable households in their area who may struggle to meet Council Tax payments.

Redundancy Pay

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether redundancy payments with limited tax liability under the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 are treated as capital in the assessment period in which they are received, as opposed to income under Regulation 54 of the Universal Credit Regulations 2013; whether those payments are not counted as earnings or surplus earnings for the purposes of a universal credit award; and whether those payments are assessed as capital for that award.

Will Quince: For those who are made redundant and make a claim to Universal Credit (UC), their redundancy payments, with limited tax liability under the Income Tax (earnings and Pensions) Act 2003, are treated as capital. A claimant’s capital is taken into account to determine their entitlement to UC and in the calculation of their UC award.If capital exceeds £16,000 (after having deducted allowable disregards, such as, personal injury compensation payments) there will be no entitlement to UC.Redundancy payments treated as capital are therefore not taken into account as earnings, nor would the surplus earnings rules apply to them.

Health and Safety Executive: Staff

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Written Statement of 13 May 2020, HCWS234 on Construction update, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of staffing at the Health and Safety Executive to (a) monitor and (b) enforce the guidance provided in that written statement.

Mims Davies: Individual employers and those in control of construction sites have a legal responsibility of ensuring appropriate measures are in place to protect workers from Covid-19 on construction sites. Nevertheless, the Government recognises the important role that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) plays as Great Britain’s health and safety regulator and has announced that additional funds are being made available to support them in their regulatory work relating to Covid-19. HSE is currently developing plans for carrying out proactive checks of workplaces including construction sites to ensure that appropriate measures are in place. In addition, HSE continues to address reported workplace concerns with employers, including those relating to Covid-19.

Universal Credit: South Glamorgan

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many new applications for universal credit have been processed in (a) Cardiff and (b) Vale of Glamorgan in each month since 1 January 2020.

Will Quince: Statistics on Universal Credit claims can be found on Stat-Xplore:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/.Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Social Security Benefits

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the operational feasibility of (a) suspending and (b) increasing the benefit cap.

Mims Davies: There are currently no plans to change the benefit cap. The Benefit Cap restores fairness between those receiving out-of-work benefits and taxpayers in employment.

Jobcentre Plus: Coronavirus

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether Job Centre Plus staff who are categorised as extremely vulnerable during the covid-19 outbreak are required to go into the workplace.

Mims Davies: Any staff who are in the extremely vulnerable categories are not permitted to go into the office and working from home where possible. The Department has procured significantly more portable computers to expand our home working capacity. We are taking all practical steps to protect the health and safety of those colleagues working in our offices, e.g. through social distancing. We will continue to follow all government guidance on keeping our staff safe.

Housing Benefit

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to exclude future increases to the State Pension from the calculation of income for the purpose of housing benefit eligibility.

Will Quince: Housing Benefit is an income-related benefit which is intended to assist people who need help to pay their rent. Any income that is available to meet those expenses, such as a State Pension, is normally taken fully into account when working out how much Housing Benefit can be paid. There are no plans to amend regulations to allow a disregard for State Pension income, including any increases each year.

Universal Credit

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many alternative payment arrangements for payment of universal credit were made with claimants in (a) March and (b) April 2020.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 20 May 2020



This information is intended for future publication Statistics on Alternative Payment Arrangements for March and April will be published on 11 August 2020 and can be found at https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Personal Independence Payment: Coronavirus

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the press release entitled Coronavirus update - benefit reviews and reassessments suspended, published by her Department on 23 March 2020, for what reasons applications for extensions of personal independence payments awards made by the First Tier Tribunal are not eligible for automatic extension.

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many personal independence payment claimants have been refused a three month extension of their award on the basis that it was made by the First Tier Tribunal since 23 March 2020.

Justin Tomlinson: Since 24 March the Department has been extending awards of PIP due to end from that date onwards, regardless of whether the final decision on the award was made by a Case Manager or a Tribunal. There were a small number of claimants who had previously been awarded short-term fixed awards with no review who had made subsequent new claims to PIP, where safeguards in the system originally prevented us from extending their previous award. I can however now confirm that we have amended the system to correct this and all claimants whose awards were due to end or due for review from 24th March onwards will have had their benefit extended.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Markets: Disease Control

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking as part of the international response to the continued existence of wet markets in (a) China and (b) other countries throughout the world.

Victoria Prentis: Whilst the sale of wildlife in “wet markets” has been suspected as the source of the current COVID-19 pandemic, conclusive evidence is not yet available. Research into the origin of the virus causing COVID-19 is ongoing, and the UK is working with the international scientific community to determine the source of the outbreak. When we have sound evidence, we will support the delivery of swift and effective policy interventions where needed. We recognise however that ‘wet markets’ selling live animals and meat are a high risk environment for the transmission of disease from animals to other animals, and from animals to humans, if they are not subject to high standards of biosecurity and hygiene. It is essential that strict food hygiene and health standards are met, and we agree with the WHO that markets should close if these standards are not met. In the meantime, the UK continues to provide leadership in the efforts to combat and end the illegal wildlife trade, which not only increases the risk of zoonosis, but contributes to loss of biodiversity and increased corruption.

Water Supply: Coronavirus

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to running water in (a) social and (b) privately-rented housing during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rebecca Pow: Under the Security and Emergency Measures Direction 1998, water companies are obliged to maintain plans to ensure the provision of essential water supply at all times. Water companies have been monitoring the adequacy of supply for all properties during the COVID-19 outbreak. They do not distinguish between provision of supply to social, privately rented and privately owned properties.In addition, water companies cannot disconnect household water supply for the non-payment of charges. All water companies also provide a range of support for vulnerable customers and those struggling with affordability. For example, all water companies have social tariff schemes in place to provide discounted water bills to those eligible.

Agricultural Products: Coronavirus

Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that a range of farm produce that is consistent with best practice in (a) animal welfare and (b) sustainability continues to be made available to consumers.

Victoria Prentis: The food industry has responded quickly and impressively to the significant changes in demand that we have seen over the past weeks. This has ensured supply into stores and people’s homes across the country and has demonstrated that the supply chain remains resilient.To help industry, the Government has introduced several regulatory easements to keep food supply flowing. These include asking local authorities to show flexibility to allow extended delivery hours and flexing rules on drivers’ hours to allow a higher frequency of deliveries to stores. More generally, this Government was elected on a manifesto commitment that in all of our trade negotiations we will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards. The UK's growing reputation for quality food and drink, with high standards of food safety, animal welfare and sustainability, serves as an excellent platform to increase demand for our products still further.

Gun Sports: Coronavirus

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to enable the early resumption of shooting after the covid-19 outbreak.

Victoria Prentis: The Government has said people can now leave their homes for the purposes of open-air recreation in public open spaces to promote their physical or mental health or emotional wellbeing. What counts as “open-air recreation” is not defined in the regulations but would include shooting. The regulations define public open spaces as: (a) Land laid out as a public garden or used for the purpose of recreation by members of the public; (b) land which is "open country" as defined in section 59(2) of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, as that definition has been extended by section 16(1) of the Countryside Act 1968; (c) land which is "access land" for the purposes of Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (see section 1(1) of that Act) The Government has published guidance on the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation. Outdoor sports courts and other outdoor sporting activities are permitted to reopen if those responsible for them are ready to do so and they can do so safely, following public health guidance. This can be found on the GOV.UK website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-phased-return-of-outdoor-sport-and-recreation

Waste Disposal: Kimberworth

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with stakeholders on the reopening of Watsons Tip at Droppingwell in Kimberworth.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of toxicity levels at Watsons Tip at Droppingwell in Kimberworth.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what risk assessment has been carried out by the Environment Agency ahead of the proposed reopening of Watsons Tip at Droppingwell in Kimberworth.

Rebecca Pow: The Environment Agency (EA) regulates ‘Watson’s Tip’, also known as Droppingwell Landfill, under an environmental permit issued to Grange Landfill Limited (GLL). Historically, this landfill has received a range of waste types. Landfilling was suspended in the late 1990s as it could not fully comply with the new environmental standards under the European Landfill Directive. Although the operator decided to suspend further waste disposal, the environmental permit was not surrendered and remained in force. In 2015, GLL applied to the EA to vary the existing permit to enable the disposal of inert wastes only. Inert wastes, for example soil and stone, are defined as materials that do not undergo any significant physical, chemical or biological transformation. As part of its application, GLL was required to demonstrate that the new activity would meet the requirements of the Landfill Directive. GLL was also required to submit a detailed risk assessment to identify potential effects on nearby receptors and to propose any necessary mitigation. The EA has thoroughly assessed the risk assessments submitted in support of the permit application and is satisfied that all aspects that could affect the environment and human health have been addressed to a satisfactory standard. After due consideration of the application, the EA issued the permit variation on 23 March 2016. The varied permit takes account of all legislative requirements under the Landfill Directive and includes a number of pre-operational conditions that must be complied with before waste disposal can resume. This includes a requirement to put additional measures in place to monitor for potential impacts from the site on the local environment. Monitoring boreholes have therefore been installed to monitor groundwater and gas levels around the historic landfill area (referred to as Phase 1). The EA is aware of two assessments that have been undertaken to determine baseline contamination levels within the historically deposited landfill area (Phase 1). An initial assessment was carried out on 18 May 1990 by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) Department of Environmental Health. This showed that samples taken from the surface of the historic landfill (Phase 1) were heavily contaminated with a wide range of materials. In January 2017 an assessment was undertaken requiring analysis of composite soil samples taken from each of the in-waste monitoring boreholes installed within the historic landfill area (Phase 1). This also identified the presence of elevated levels of hazardous substances in the historic waste. It is important to note that there will be no excavation into, or disturbance of, the historically deposited waste in the Phase 1 area when landfilling resumes with inert wastes. The EA has met the Chief Executive of RMBC and her team a number of times regarding this landfill. The EA continues to work together with RMBC to share information with residents about the landfill. The EA attended RMBC’s Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on 28 January 2020 to answer questions about the landfill from local councillors and members of the public. Given the widespread interest in this site, the EA has placed regular updates on its public portal (citizen space) and has continually liaised with the hon. Member for Rotherham in whose constituency the landfill sits, as well as the local community action group.

Heathland: Fires

Mr Richard Holden: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to amend the regulations on heather burning during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rebecca Pow: The Government has always been clear of the need to end burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. We are looking at how legislation could achieve this and considering next steps.

Fires

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help mitigate the risk of wildfire.

Rebecca Pow: We are working across Government with a wide range of stakeholders including land managers, conservation bodies and wildfire management groups to ensure that we promote better planning for wildfire locally and take measures to mitigate against the risk of wildfire. We undertook a review of the impact of wildfire and upland environments in 2019 and will publish the findings in due course. We will also, through the forthcoming England Peat Strategy, set out measures to protect our peatlands, which includes making them more resilient to and mitigating the risk of wildfire.

Home Office

Domestic Abuse: Victim Support Schemes

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps she has taken to ensure the availability of support for women experiencing domestic abuse during the covid-19 outbreak.

Victoria Atkins: Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation. We are working closely with domestic abuse charities, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the police to understand the impact of COVID-19 on domestic abuse incidents. The Government has announced £28m of funding to support domestic abuse charities. The Home Office has announced an additional £2 million in funding to help bolster specialist helplines and online services so that victims can continue to seek support. We have also launched a campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and signpost victims to the support services available. The campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, aims to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during this difficult time. Details of these services can be found at www.gov.uk/domestic-abuse

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on firearms licensing compiled by constabularies on the advice given by the Chairman of the National Police Chief Council's firearms and explosives committee.

Kit Malthouse: Firearms licensing is an operational matter for the police who are not required to provide information on their decisions in individual cases to the Home Office. Similarly, it is open to the National Police Chiefs’ Council to provide advice or information to police forces relating to firearms licensing. We do, however, have regular discussions with the police, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council, about matters relating to firearms licensing.

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department,what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the introduction of medical verification of firearms licencing on trends in the number of people applying for a grant or renewal of a (a) shotgun certificate and (b) firearms certificate.

Kit Malthouse: The police are responsible for assessing the suitability of those who apply for the grant or renewal of a firearm or shotgun certificate. The police carry out a number of checks to ensure that those in possession of firearms do not pose a danger to public safety, and this includes checks relating to the medical suitability, based on information from the applicant’s GP. This is an important part of the process, as it helps to ensure that those who have lawful access to firearms do not pose a risk to themselves or to others.

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations she has received from coroners on the involvement of medical practitioners in firearms licensing in each of the last 10 years.

Kit Malthouse: Representations received from coroners have helped to inform the discussions we have had with interested parties on strengthening the medical arrangements for firearms licensing. These representations have, in particular, highlighted the importance of the police having sight of medical information from a firearm applicant’s GP prior to granting of a licence, and for the need for a firearms marker to be placed on patient records so that GPs can advise the police if a person begins to suffer from a relevant medical condition while their licence is valid. Following discussions with police, medical and shooting representatives, new medical arrangements were introduced in 2016 so that medical information would be requested from GPs prior to issuing of a firearms licence and GPs asked to place the firearms marker on patient records.

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she place in the library the results of the pilot trials on placing markers on firearms certificate holders' medical notes that were conducted in Essex and Wiltshire.

Kit Malthouse: The firearms marker on a GP’s patient’s record enables the GP to advise the police if a licensed firearm or shotgun holder begins to suffer from a relevant medical condition while their firearm certificate is valid. Trials testing the medical arrangements took place in Essex and Wiltshire prior to the introduction of a new system in 2016. The results of the trials were not placed in the House Library but were made available to, and were considered by, the members of the working group developing the medical arrangements, including police, medical and shooting representatives. The Government is supportive of the use of the medical marker as a means of helping to ensure that firearm certificates are held safely.

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of the 2016 Home Office Guidance on firearms licensing.

Kit Malthouse: The Home Office Guide on Firearms Licensing Law is intended to assist the police and other interested parties in applying and complying with firearms legislation. The guidance is underpinned by the publication of the Authorised Professional Practice for Firearms Licensing which was published in April 2014 through the College of Policing. The guidance is currently under review so that all legislative amendments made to our firearms controls can be incorporated. A range of interested parties have been consulted about potential changes. In addition, the Policing and Crime Act 2017 introduced a power to enable the Secretary of State to issue statutory guidance to the police on their firearms licensing functions. The Government has consulted on the introduction of this guidance, which will bring greater consistency to firearms licensing across England, Wales and Scotland. The Government will publish its response to the consultation and the statutory guidance in due course. Once published, the police will be required to have regard to the statutory guidance.

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason her Department held discussions on the role of GPs in firearms licensing with the British Medical Association and not the General Medical Council.

Kit Malthouse: Home Office Ministers and officials have regular meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings. It is, however, the case that we have discussed the involvement of medical professionals in firearms licensing procedures with representatives of the medical profession, including the General Medical Council and the British Medical Association, and we will continue to do so, as appropriate.

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she publish the (a) dates and (b) outcomes of the meetings held by (a) Ministers in her Department and (b) officials in her Department with representatives from the General Medical Council on the medical involvement in firearms licensing since May 2016.

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish the (a) dates and (b) outcomes of the meetings held by (i) Ministers in her Department and (ii) officials in her Department with representatives from police forces on the medical involvement in firearms licensing since May 2016.

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she publish the (a) dates and (b) outcomes of the meetings held by (a) Ministers in her Department and (b) officials in her Department with representatives from the British Shooting Sports Council on the medical involvement in firearms licensing since May 2016.

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she publish the (a) dates and (b) outcomes of the meetings held by (a) Ministers in her Department and (b) officials in her Department with representatives from the Countryside Alliance on the medical involvement in firearms licensing since May 2016.

Kit Malthouse: Home Office Ministers and officials have regular meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings. It is, however, the case that we have discussed the involvement of medical professionals in firearms licensing procedures with a range of interested parties including the police, representatives of the medical profession, including the General Medical Council, and shooting organisations including the British Shooting Sports Council and the Countryside Alliance, and we shall continue to do so, as appropriate.

Crimes Against the Person: Pharmacy

Matt Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many cases of assaults against pharmacists were reported in each region in each of the last six months.

Kit Malthouse: The Home Office collects data relating to violence against retail staff within the ‘Commercial Victimisation Survey’ (CVS) but the latest estimates are from the 2018 CVS. This includes information on assaults and threats experienced by staff working in Wholesale and Retail premises, but these figures cannot be broken down specifically for pharmacists. The Government recognises the damaging impact that crime can have on victims, businesses, and the wider community. Pharmacies provide vital services to our communities and it is important that they should be free to trade without fear of crime or disorder, particularly in these unprecedented times. I am working closely with the police and industry to continue to monitor these types of incidents during this challenging period.

Firearms: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her Department's policy is on the placing of markers on the medical notes of those granted shotgun and firearms certificates; and if she will make a statement.

Kit Malthouse: The police are responsible for assessing the suitability of those who apply for the grant or renewal of a firearm or shotgun certificate. The police carry out a number of checks to ensure that those in possession of firearms do not pose a danger to public safety, including in relation to medical suitability based on information from the applicant’s GP. Use of the firearms marker on GP patient records enables the GP to advise the police if a person begins to suffer from a relevant medical condition while their firearms certificate is valid, enabling the police to review their suitability. The Government is supportive of the use of the medical marker as a means of helping to ensure firearms licences are held safely.

Youth Mobility Scheme: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to issue further guidance for people on Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visas that have been extended to 31 May 2020 who may be unable to leave the UK by that date.

Kevin Foster: The exceptional provisions outlined in the Covid-19 guidance are being reviewed regularly. We will review the Covid-19 extensions prior to 31 May and will publish further information on Gov.uk prior to this date. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-immigration-and-borders.

Hate Crime

Bambos Charalambous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to publish the Hate Crime Action Plan for 2020-24.

Victoria Atkins: The Government is considering a range of options to tackle hate crime beyond the current Action Plan, including engagement with a range of Departments and civil society partners to explore possible approaches.

Hate Crime: Coronavirus

Bambos Charalambous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps is taking to support different ethnic and religious communities in the UK who are being targeted with online abuse and hate speech due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Victoria Atkins: The Home Office are working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), civil society partners and social media platforms to encourage victim reporting of online hate crime during the pandemic. We are also working with the NPCC to ensure that all police forces are providing reassurance to affected communities. Government continues to work with communities around the country and the police to ensure people of all backgrounds have access to the latest information and are supported through this period.

NHS: Migrant Workers

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of granting international medical students who have graduated early due to the covid-19 outbreak and are working for the NHS special dispensation to switch sponsors without having to apply for another visa.

Kevin Foster: International students with current Tier 4 visas can already work full-time following the completion of their course without switching sponsors, provided the conditions of their visa permit work. During the Covid-19 outbreak, those applying for new visas under Tiers 2, 4 or 5 can commence work or study with their new sponsor before a decision is made on their application provided the relevant conditions outlined on Gov.uk are met. These details can be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents

Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme

Bambos Charalambous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's News story of 19 March 2019 entitled Places of worship to get security funding boost, how much of her Department's £5 million fund to provide security training for places of worship has been awarded; and how much of that funding has been awarded to each organisation.

Kit Malthouse: The Home Office is working with policing and faith representatives to understand the training needs of places of worship and how these are best met. This is to ensure the training made available is suitable and effective for faith institutions.

Entry Clearances: Coronavirus

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will allow temporary UK residents whose leave is due to expire on 31 May 2020 a further automatic extension to their visas as a result of (a) travel restrictions and (b) self-isolation relating to covid-19.

Kevin Foster: Individuals in the UK legally whose visa expired after 24 January 2020 have had their visa extended to 31 May 2020 where they cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus. This is being kept under regular review in case further extensions are needed and the Home Office will publish relevant information on GOV.UK prior to this date.

Migrant Workers: Visas

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the residency status is of the families of overseas healthcare workers who have been working in the NHS on a visa and die as a result of covid-19.

Kevin Foster: My Rt. Hon Friend, the Home Secretary, confirmed, in a letter to the Home Affairs Select Committee on 29 April, families of eligible frontline healthcare workers who sadly pass away due to contracting the COVID-19 virus, will be granted immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain free of charge.

Hezbollah: Foreign Relations

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the accuracy of reports that Hezbollah's Foreign Relations Department is raising funds and operating within the EU.

James Brokenshire: We do not provide comment on our intelligence assessment of terrorist organisations.

Passports: Applications

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has to resume the processing of routine applications to apply for, renew, replace or update a passport.

Kevin Foster: Her Majesty’s Passport Office has continued to process standard passport applications throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but with limited capacity due to implementing social distancing measures within its offices. Due to this limited capacity, passport applications are taking longer than usual. However, to support those who need passport services the most at this time, an Urgent and Compassionate service is also being provided, and the details of how to apply are available on gov.uk.

Police: Coronavirus

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers have been tested for covid-19 since the start of the covid-19 outbreak, by police force.

Kit Malthouse: Testing is key in our battle against coronavirus and on Friday 17 April the government extended coronavirus testing to more frontline workers, including for police. The number of police officers who have been tested for Covid-19 by police force is not a number that is held by centrally by the Home Office.

Immigration: Coronavirus

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has revised her Department's targets for the processing of immigration cases during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kevin Foster: The Home Office closely monitors the processing of immigration cases and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has not amended its service standards due to Covid-19. UKVI continue to process applications as quickly as possible.

Cabinet Office

Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry: Northern Ireland

Stephen Farry: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for the (a) ministerial, (b) special adviser and (c) civil service (i) codes and (ii) operational practice of the final report and recommendations of the Renewable Heat Initiative inquiry in Northern Ireland.

Chloe Smith: The recommendations of the Renewable Heat Initiative inquiry were aimed principally at the devolved administration in Northern Ireland, which operates its own Codes. The Government maintains awareness of relevant lessons learned in the devolved administrations, including from the inquiry, and keeps under review the Codes and operational practices that apply within the UK Government.

Coronavirus: Equality

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what equalities impact assessment the Government has made of the effect of (a) each financial package and (b) its approach to managing the public health risk in its response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Penny Mordaunt: It is vital that our response to COVID-19 takes account of the different needs of people depending on their circumstances. The government has fulfilled its requirements stemming from the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) for all elements of its response to COVID-19.The Government pays due regard to the equality impacts of its policy decisions, in line with legal requirements. There are internal procedural requirements and support in place for ensuring that such considerations inform decisions taken by Ministers.The Government also fulfilled its requirements in relation to the Coronavirus Restrictions Regulations which were brought into force 23 March 2020, as well as for subsequent changes to the policy.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Mr David Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure the provision of advice to the public on the covid-19 restrictions applicable in (a) England and (b) Wales.

Penny Mordaunt: The UK Government is regularly publishing and updating information and guidance for the public on the Covid-19 outbreak. Where a matter is devolved, UK Government guidance available on GOV.UK is clear that measures apply in England-only and should be considered alongside local public health requirements, guidance and legislation in Wales.The UK Government continues to work with the Welsh Government and other devolved administrations on decisions and guidance related to the current measures.

Advertising: Coronavirus

Mhairi Black: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much the Government has spent  on television advertising in relation to covid-19.

Chloe Smith: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 33512 on 21 April 2020.

Treasury

Economic Situation: Coronavirus

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support he plans to make available to help the economy recover from the effects of the covid-19 outbreak; and how that support will be allocated.

John Glen: The unprecedented actions we have taken to support millions of families, businesses, and self-employed people are designed to ensure that viable businesses are not forced to close, that peoples’ jobs are protected, and that households’ incomes are supported.Both the OBR and the Bank of England agree that the actions we’ve taken are the right actions that will help to mitigate the impact of the virus on our economy - and that without our package of measures things would be worse. The Government will continue to monitor developments to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals and businesses.The Government will support people back into work as the economy reopens, and has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended to the end of October.

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps he has taken to ensure that victims of the Equitable Life scandal receive full compensation.

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of compensation payments to people affected by the collapse of Equitable Life.

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will ensure that the data needed to make further payments to Equitable Life policyholders is retained.

John Glen: There are no plans to reopen the Payment Scheme or review the £1.5 billion funding allocation previously made to it. The Equitable Life Payment Scheme closed to claims in 2015 and further guidance on the status of the Payment Scheme after closure is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equitable-life-payment-scheme#closure-of-the-scheme. The methodology for calculating payments to Equitable Life policyholders was published in 2011 and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equitable-life-payment-scheme-design. The relevant data will be retained as long as it is legal to do so.

Religious Buildings: Coronavirus

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of religious institutions on the financial difficulties that places of worship are experiencing as a result of the covid-19 lockdown; and if he will make a statement.

Kemi Badenoch: While HMT is concerned with the financial sustainability of faith organisations, engagement with them on difficulties relating to Covid-19 is handled by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

Arts: Coronavirus

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what additional financial support he plans to make available for self-employed workers in the creative industries during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. Help for self-employed workers in sectors like the creative industry has been provided through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). SEISS provides grants to those who are self-employed, or members of partnerships, worth 80% of their trading profits/partnership trading profits, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. The value of the grant is based on a 3-year average of trading/partnership trading profits, from the tax years 2016-17 to 2018-19. SEISS is available to those who generate majority of their income from self -employment and who earn less than £50k. Some 95% of people who are mainly self-employed could benefit from SEISS. The scheme went live on 13 May. In addition, to support those on low incomes at this time, the Government has announced a package of temporary welfare measures, including:A £20 per week increase to the Universal Credit (UC) standard allowance and Working Tax Credit basic element.An increase in the Local Housing Allowance rates for UC and Housing Benefit claimants.A relaxation of UC minimum income floor for all self-employed UC claimants affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.A 3-month mortgage holiday for homeowners Details of the range of support for individuals affected by COVID-19 is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19.

Economic Situation: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what (a) steps he is taking and (b) methodologies he is using to assess the economic impact on (i) each local authority area and (ii) York of the covid-19 outbreak.

John Glen: The Government is committed to supporting all regions and nations of the UK through the COVID-19 outbreak.HM Treasury is working with local leaders, including those in the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, as well as the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and other departments, to understand the impacts of the outbreak on the region.

Debts: Developing Countries

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the potential merits of cancelling global debt in response to the covid-19 pandemic.

John Glen: It is vital that creditors work together to ensure that countries especially vulnerable to the pandemic can protect their citizens and economies. The Chancellor joined his G20 counterparts to commit to a temporary suspension on debt service repayments from the poorest countries. The government will continue to work through the G20 and Paris Club of official creditors to monitor sovereign debt vulnerabilities closely, and will respond to emerging balance of payments issues in coordination with the international financial institutions, the Paris Club, and commercial lenders. At Budget, the Chancellor announced a leading contribution of up to £150m to the IMF’s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust, which will provide the world’s poorest countries relief on IMF repayments. The government has committed to double its existing £2.2bn loan to the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust to provide financial assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable members in their fight against COVID-19. The UK recently led the development of a G20 Action Plan to support the global economy though the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chancellor will continue to have regular engagement with G20 counterparts on the international community’s response to COVID-19.

Mortgages: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with representatives of mortgage lenders on extending mortgage payment holidays in line with the term of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme during the covid-19 outbreak.

John Glen: The government is working closely with lenders and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure that people are supported during these challenging times, especially if they are facing financial distress. On 22 May we announced that lenders will continue to show forbearance to borrowers that need it, this includes the option for them to apply for a mortgage payment holiday up until the 31 October, in line with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

Hydrogen: Renewable Energy

Alex Sobel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support growth in the production of green hydrogen in the UK.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government continues to take its environmental responsibilities very seriously. We are committed to meeting our climate change targets, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Hydrogen could be an important part of the transition to net zero. We are investing in innovation, providing up to £121m to support a range of projects to explore and develop the potential of low carbon hydrogen. This includes production, storage and end use in heat, industry and transport. In 2019 the Government published a consultation on business models for Carbon Capture and Storage, which sought views on support for low-carbon hydrogen. The response to the consultation will be published in due course.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many bounce back loans have been approved by (a) Ulster Bank, (b) Danske Bank, (c) Bank of Ireland and (d) AIB since the start of the Bounce Bank Loan Scheme.

John Glen: The Bounce Back Loans Scheme (BBLS), launched on 4 May, helps the smallest businesses access loans of up to £50,000 within days. HM Treasury carefully monitors the progress of the scheme, including by collecting data on applications and loans directly from accredited lenders. However, this data is commercially sensitive and provided in confidence by each lender, so cannot be disclosed publicly. Since its launch, the scheme has seen over 464,000 loans worth a total value of over £14bn approved. HM Treasury is now regularly publishing the total number and value of loans approved under the scheme.

Postgraduate Education: Coronavirus

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing postdoctoral researchers in receipt of URKI grants to be furloughed when their research involving feasibility studies has had to be paused as a result of their needing to collect data from a medical setting.

Kemi Badenoch: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is available for researchers who meet the eligibility criteria (as set out in HMRC and DfE guidance for Higher Education Institutions). This includes research staff directly supported by public grants where they are not able to conduct research due to non-pharmaceutical interventions. Staff costs for that period may not be claimed from the public research funder. The CJRS is not available for researchers who are not on the PAYE payroll.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to encourage businesses in the aviation sector not to make staff redundant as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Steve Barclay: The Government recognises the challenging times facing the aviation sector as a result of COVID-19 and the Chancellor wrote to the aviation sector on 24 March to set out the Government’s position and the support measures available. The Government has announced an unprecedented package of support for workers and businesses to protect against the current economic emergency. This includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which help firms to retain employees. This Scheme allows businesses to put employees on temporary leave, with the Government paying cash grants of 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month, providing the business keeps the person employed. On 12 May, the Government announced a major extension to the CJRS which will continue to the end of October, including more flexibility and employer contributions from August as people return to work. The Government is prepared to enter negotiations with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort, having exhausted other options. However further taxpayer support would only be possible if all commercial avenues have been fully explored, including raising further capital from existing investors and discussing arrangements with financial stakeholders. Any intervention would need to represent value for money for taxpayers.

Business: Coronavirus

Nick Fletcher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of enabling local authorities to suspend the collection of business licence fees during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: The Licencing Act provides no legal framework for suspending or waiving premises licence fees. The Act requires that a premises licence be suspended in cases of non-payment or late payment of annual premises licence fees. However, the Minister of State for Crime and Policing has written to chairs of licensing committees to advise that where businesses experience difficulties in paying premises licence fees as a result of the covid-19 outbreak, licensing authorities should exercise their discretion and consider delaying any suspension of a licence.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Charities

Neil Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer,  what assessment he has made of the effect on charities of extending the length of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Kemi Badenoch: On 12 May the Government announced a major extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which will continue to the end of October, including more flexibility and employer contributions from August as people return to work. This will provide clarity for the coming months for all businesses, including charities. The flexibilities introduced will allow businesses and charities to move out of the scheme in a measured way that protects people’s incomes and helps support furloughed employees as they return to work. The Government has announced a £750 million support package for charities. £360m will be allocated directly to charities providing essential services and supporting vulnerable people. £310m will support smaller, local charities including through grants distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund. £60m will be allocated to the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula. The Government pledged to match whatever the public donated to the BBC Big Night In fundraiser on 23 April, with a minimum of £20m going to the National Emergencies Trust.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that employees who have been furloughed due to the covid-19 outbreak are paid the money claimed for by their employer in a timely manner.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme forms part of a collective effort by the Government to protect people’s jobs. All employers participating in the scheme will be required to pay furloughed staff 80% of their wages, up to a cap of £2,500 per month. Once an employer has made a claim, HMRC expect payment to be made to the employer within six working days. HMRC will check claims made through the scheme. Payments may be withheld or need to be repaid in full to HMRC if the claim is based on dishonest or inaccurate information or found to be fraudulent. If an employee is concerned that their employer is abusing the scheme they should report them using the portal available on GOV.UK.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend the Coronavirus Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to cover people who became self-employed in August 2018 and are not permitted to claim as a result of employed income having comprised the majority of their income during that financial year.

Jesse Norman: The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is designed to provide financial support to those who rely on self-employment as their main source of income. This aims to ensure the SEISS is targeted at those who need it the most. Many individuals earn small amounts of income from self-employment in addition to income from employment and other sources.Self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, are eligible for the SEISS if they have submitted their Income Tax Self Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018-19, continued to trade, and have been adversely affected by COVID-19. To qualify, their self-employed trading profits must be less than £50,000, with more than half of their income coming from self-employment. Some 95 per cent of people who receive the majority of their income from self-employment could benefit from this scheme. Those with trading profits less than 50% of their total income may still benefit from other support, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Individuals may have access to a range of grants and loans depending on their circumstances, and the SEISS supplements the significant support already announced for UK businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Bounce Back Loans Scheme, and the deferral of tax payments.

Tobacco: Smuggling

Bob Blackman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans the Government has for the tobacco track and trace system in the UK at the end of the transition period; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Blackman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government will take to enforce the deadline of 20 May 2020 whereby cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco products that are not sold through cannot be sold.

Bob Blackman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans the Government has for the tobacco track and trace system at the end of the sell-through period on 20 May 2020.

Bob Blackman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what will happen to non-compliant tobacco track and trace stock on 20 May 2020; and how compliance with that deadline will be enforced during the covid-19 lockdown.

Bob Blackman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of tobacco (a) manufacturers', (b) wholesalers' and (c) retailers' level of compliance with the tobacco track and trace 20 May 2020 sell through period deadline.

Bob Blackman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government has made an assessment of the potential effect on levels of counterfeit goods of a suspension of the tobacco track and trace system at the end of the transition period.

Kemi Badenoch: At the end of the transition period, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will need to make some changes to the tobacco track and trace system for it to continue to operate. The changes will be kept to the minimum necessary to enable the UK to have full regulatory control. The government has not made an assessment of the potential effect on levels of counterfeit goods of a suspension of the track and trace system as it remains committed to having a system in place at the end of the transition period. The government has no plans to make any changes to the end of the sell through period. From 20 May 2020, all cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco manufactured in or imported into the UK must be marked with a unique identifier code and security label. Businesses with any unmarked stock after this date should return it in accordance with the existing procedures they have in place with their suppliers. Product which fails to comply with the requirements after the sell through period will be liable to forfeiture. Where HMRC is satisfied that a business is not complying with the requirements it may issue a notice for the business to remedy any non-compliance.  To promote and assess compliance across the tobacco supply chain, HMRC has been working with tobacco manufacturers, retailers and relevant trade bodies to make them aware of their requirements and the sell through period. A key indicator of industry compliance is the high volume of businesses registered to use the system. As of the end of April, over 42,000 economic operators and approximately 65,000 premises were registered on the system. It would not be appropriate for HMRC to publish detailed information about their operational response during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the public can be assured that HMRC will support legitimate businesses and individuals while taking tough action against serious criminal activity and those evading and avoiding paying tax. It is right that HMRC does everything possible to protect individuals, businesses and the economy during this extremely difficult time.

Treasury: Chief Scientific Advisers

Greg Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many meetings (a) he and (b) his predecessor had with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser (i) from 1 September to 30 November 2019 and (ii) from 1 December 2019 to 29 February 2020.

Kemi Badenoch: HM Treasury is committed to ensuring that we access the very best scientific expertise. The Director for the Enterprise and Growth Unit, who is responsible for public science funding, acts as HM Treasury’s Chief Scientific Adviser and meets with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regularly.

Large Goods Vehicles: Coronavirus

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 13 May 2020 to Question 42946, what discussions he has held with businesses in the haulage industry on the potential need of businesses to access a furlough scheme on a monthly basis to cope with unpredictable business demand through the covid-19 pandemic.

Jesse Norman: The Government has announced a range of measures to support all businesses, including hauliers, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. The Department for Transport continues to engage with the haulage industry to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the sector. As the economy re-opens, the Government will support people back into work. The Government announced on 12 May that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended for four months, until the end of October. From August to October, the scheme will continue for all sectors and regions of the UK, but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work. Employers currently using the scheme will be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time. The Government will set out full details by the end of May.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 13 May 2020 to Question 42936 on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, what contingency plans he has in the event that greater flexibility is needed to support business where demand is unpredictable.

Jesse Norman: The Government keeps the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme under review, as well as other schemes to support businesses during COVID-19. It continues to engage with the business community and monitor developments in order to ensure a targeted and effective response.

Large Goods Vehicles: Coronavirus

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2020 to Question 42942 on Roads: Freight, if he will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of extending business rates relief to haulage companies for (a) one and (b) six months.

Jesse Norman: The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England through business rates relief given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as haulage companies, has also been made available. The Government is monitoring the sectoral impact of COVID-19 and is keeping all support under review.

Welfare Tax Credits

Alex Sobel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many tax credit renewal letters were (a) sent out and (b) responded to in 2019.

Jesse Norman: For tax credit renewals in 2019, 4,657,760 renewal notices were issued. Of those, 2,675,511 were Auto Renewals and 1,982,249 were Reply Required (RRQ). By 31 July 2019, 1,575,693 RRQs had been received, indicating that 79.5% of RRQ customers had responded by 31 July.

Employment: Coronavirus

John Lamont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what comparative assessment he has made of the level of financial support for workers provided by (a) the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and (b) governments in other countries that are similarly affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

Jesse Norman: On 12 May, the Chancellor announced an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of October. The scheme has been extended in full until the end of July, with changes concerning part-time working and employer contributions from August. The Government will keep all policies under review, and monitors the economic support packages for workers implemented by other governments around the world. Several other countries (such as Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada) have announced similar measures.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Jessica Morden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, what assessment he has made of the effect on people solely in receipt of the state pension of the 50 per cent of income from self-employment threshold.

Jesse Norman: The new Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) aims to provide financial support to those who rely on self-employment as their main source of income. It means that the UK has one of the most generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world. The Government is also committed to ensuring that older people are able to live with the dignity and respect they deserve, and the State Pension is the foundation of state support for older people. Following the Government’s commitment to the Triple Lock, the full basic State Pension is now about £1,900 per year higher in 2020/21 than in 2010.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of employers forcing furloughed workers to continue to carry out work on the wellbeing of those workers.

Jesse Norman: The purpose of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is to support people who would otherwise have been made redundant. To prevent fraudulent claims, the Government made it clear that individuals cannot work or volunteer for their organisation.This aims to protect individuals too; if workers were allowed to work or volunteer for their employer, the employer could ask them to work in an effectively full time way while only paying them 80% of the wages. If workers are being asked to work while on furlough, they should report their employer to HMRC via the online fraud reporting tool here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/customs-excise-and-vat-fraud-reporting.

VAT

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of calculating VAT payable only from a turnover of £85,001 and above.

Jesse Norman: The Government consulted in 2018 on how the design of the VAT registration threshold, currently set at £85,000, could incentivise growth better.The results of the call for evidence did not present a clear option for reform.While there are no plans to make changes to the design of the VAT threshold, the Government continues to keep all taxes under review.Details of the call for evidence are available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/vat-registration-threshold-call-for-evidence.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Angela Crawley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to extend the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to people whose self-employed profits are less than 50 per cent of their income.

Jesse Norman: The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is only available to those whose trading profit makes up 50% or more of their total income, as the SEISS aims to provide financial support to those who rely on self-employment as their main source of income. Many individuals earn small amounts of income from self-employment in addition to income from employment and other sources. These individuals may benefit from other policies such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Individuals may have access to a range of grants and loans depending on their circumstances, and the SEISS supplements the significant support already announced for UK businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2020 to Question 43961 on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, what discussions he has had with (a) the Home Secretary and (b) other Cabinet colleagues on enforcement of the obligation on employers to utilise funds paid under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in accordance with clause 2.2 of the Schedule to the Treasury Direction dated 15 April 2020.

Jesse Norman: The Government expects that the vast majority of employers will do the right thing, but HMRC reserve the right to follow up on claims and take whatever action is necessary if people abuse the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Fraudulent claims risk the provision of public services and the protection of livelihoods. The CJRS is a reserved matter and the responsibility for compliance remains with HMRC. The Government is continuing to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including other departments and the Devolved Administrations, to inform the development and use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2020 to Question 43961 on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which of the 20,024 weblinks that are returned when the search query HMRC iForm is entered into the search facility of the GOV.UK website contains the iForm referred to in that Answer.

Jesse Norman: The iForm referred to in the answer to Question 43961 is located at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/customs-excise-and-vat-fraud-reporting. A link to this page is included in the CJRS guidance for employees on GOV.UK.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2020 to Question 43961 on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, what support he is providing to bodies representing black and minority ethnic communities to ensure that the obligation on employers to properly utilise funds paid under that scheme is widely known among qualifying PAYE employees in those communities.

Jesse Norman: The Government expects that the vast majority of employers will do the right thing, but HMRC reserve the right to follow up on claims and take whatever action is necessary if people abuse the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Fraudulent claims put at risk the provision of public services and the protection of livelihoods. The Government has published clear guidance for employers and employees, and has supported employers through the provision of webinars, and dedicated communications. HMRC have provided a clear link for employees to report any suspicions about employers abusing the scheme (using the iForm on GOV.UK). Furthermore, the claims process for employers makes clear that grants need to be paid to the employee in full. HMRC have included messaging about the proper use of funds paid under the scheme in their emails to agents (about 80,000) and employers (just over 2 million). HMRC have also included relevant information in messaging to other key stakeholders. The Government keeps its communication strategy under regular review.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2020 to Question 43961 on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, what offence will be committed in (a) England and Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) Northern Ireland by an individual who (i) uses or (ii) authorises the use of funds paid under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for any purpose other than those specified in clause 8.1 of the Schedule to the Treasury Direction dated 15 April 2020.

Jesse Norman: HM Treasury’s Direction to HMRC under the Coronavirus Act 2020 in respect of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), the guidance published in respect of the CJRS scheme, and the online portal through which claims are made, all make clear that any payments are for the purposes specified in paragraph 8.1 of the HM Treasury Direction and for no other purpose. The Direction and associated guidance also make clear that any money paid out under the scheme must be returned to HMRC if the claimant becomes unwilling or unable to use the payment for the specified purposes. Those who submit claims to HMRC for payment under CJRS are required to state that any money paid by HMRC will be used for the specified purposes. Any claimant who states that the payment will be used for the proper purposes when this is not the case is likely to have committed a criminal offence. In England and Wales, and in Northern Ireland, it is a crime of fraud, contrary to the Fraud Act 2006, dishonestly to make a false representation with intent to make a gain. Those who dishonestly state in their claims to HMRC that any money they receive under CJRS will be used for the specified purposes, when this is not the case, are likely to have committed fraud. Those who encourage or assist the commission of a crime can also be found guilty of the offence. Those who aid and abet another’s crime can also be convicted. In Scotland, those who engage in a false pretence with an intention to deceive HMRC will commit a common law fraud. Such a false pretence could include stating that the payment under CJRS will be used for the specified purposes when this is not the case. Those who act in concert with the perpetrator of such crimes can also be convicted and punished. In all parts of the UK, where claimants obtain payments from HMRC through fraudulent claims to the CJRS scheme, any money obtained would be the proceeds of crime. Any dealing with this fraudulently obtained money could amount to the offence of money laundering, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The money laundering offences contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 are punishable with a sentence of imprisonment of up to 14 years, a fine without limit, or both. Fraudulently obtained payments can also be recovered through the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act dealing with summary forfeiture of assets representing the proceeds of crime. HMRC will subject CJRS claims to scrutiny and use their usual compliance tools to carry out proportionate risk-based compliance checks before and after payment to test the veracity of CJRS claims. HMRC will take robust steps to prevent fraudulent claims being paid, to recover any payments made to those who are not eligible, and to respond to those who make fraudulent claims. In doing so, HMRC aim to protect essential public services and the livelihoods at risk during these challenging times.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many organisations using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme have furloughed (a) less than 10, (b) 10-50, (c) 51-100, (d) 101-150, (e) 151-200, (f) 201-250, (g) 251-300 and (h) more than 300 employees since the start of that scheme.

Jesse Norman: It has not been possible to provide an answer based on complete data in the time available.

Bureaux de Change: Coronavirus

Stuart Anderson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support is available for currency exchange bureaus affected by covid-19.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. Currency bureaus, along with other businesses, may benefit from a range of support measures including: Small business grant funding (SBGF) of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate reliefThe Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBL) for small and micro enterprisesVAT deferral for up to 12 monthsThe Time To Pay scheme, through which businesses in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, can receive support with their tax affairsProtection for commercial leaseholders against automatic forfeiture for non-payment until June 30, 2020 The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, and how to apply - https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Charities: Coronavirus

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much and what proportion of the Government’s £750 million covid-19 fund for charities has been allocated.

Nigel Huddleston: The £750 million funding package announced by the Government on 8 April is to ensure charities providing frontline services to vulnerable people affected by the pandemic can continue their vital work. £360m is being distributed via individual government departments based on evidence of service need. Up to £200m of this will directly support hospices and be administered by the Department of Health and Social Care. Departments are using a range of approaches to allocating funding in order to meet identified needs quickly, including bidding processes and awarding funding directly. Applications are now open for funding for the distribution of food to vulnerable people, safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse, armed services charities, and charities working to tackle loneliness and homelessness. Further information has been released on gov.uk.

Economic Situation: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what additional financial support he plans to provide in response to the covid-19 outbreak to support local economies that depend on (a) tourism, (b) the hospitality sector and (c) the heritage sector.

Nigel Huddleston: We will continue to engage with stakeholders to assess how we can most effectively support local economies by helping these key sectors through this crisis. We have announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. For example, we recently announced a Bounce Back Loan scheme to support small businesses, and have extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We have also allocated additional funding to Local Authorities in England in the form of a discretionary grant fund of up to £617m. This is aimed at certain small businesses who were not eligible for the existing business grants fund schemes. The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and Historic England (HE), DCMS ALBs, have made emergency funding available for the heritage sector. The NLHF £50 million Heritage Emergency Fund and HE’s £2 million Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund extend a safety net to small heritage organisations struggling with financial losses

Charities: Coronavirus

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure transparency in the criteria for the (a) allocation and (b) application process for the £360 million allocated from the public purse to supporting charities financially affected by covid-19.

Mr John Whittingdale: The £750 million funding package announced by the Government on 8 April is to ensure charities providing frontline services to vulnerable people affected by the pandemic can continue their vital work. £360m is being distributed via individual government departments based on evidence of service need. Up to £200m of this will directly support hospices and be administered by the Department of Health and Social Care. Departments are using a range of approaches to allocating funding in order to meet identified needs quickly, including bidding processes and awarding funding directly. Applications are now open for funding for the distribution of food to vulnerable people, safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse, armed services charities, and charities working to tackle loneliness and homelessness. Further information has been released on gov.uk. The criteria for each fund are determined by the department responsible for distributing the funding. Each department is also responsible for due diligence and monitoring of the grants. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will publish an online resource signposting charities to these funding opportunities available for applications through government departments.

Research: Coronavirus

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak on academic publishing.

Caroline Dinenage: No such estimate has been made. However, we appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including publishing and the wider Creative Industries which is why the government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. To ensure we are assisting all our sectors as effectively as possible, regular ministerially-chaired roundtables are held with business representative organisations as well as trade associations from across the Creative Industries. In addition, officials are in regular contact with stakeholders from these sectors, and we continue to speak with HM Treasury colleagues to ensure that the full spectrum of government support reaches the UK's world-leading media and Creative Industries.

Gun Sports: Coronavirus

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to enable the early resumption of (a) clay shooting and (b) target rifle shooting after the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Huddleston: It is vital that people continue to be active during the Covid-19 outbreak to support their physical and mental health. On 11 May, Government published updated guidance on lockdown measures, including updates on how people can remain active. Since Wednesday 13 May, people have been allowed to go outside more than once a day for exercise as long as they are following social distancing guidelines, alone, with members of their household, or with one person from outside of their household. People must still only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless they are exercising with their household. All outdoor sports and physical activities are now permitted, without time limit, including outdoor shooting, with the exception of swimming in an open-air swimming pool. This does not apply to individuals’ private swimming pools within their own homes.

Loneliness: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to issue additional guidance on how individuals and larger organisations can support (a) isolated and (b) lonely people affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr John Whittingdale: Government recently launched a major effort to tackle loneliness and social isolation. This includes a new public campaign encouraging people to talk openly about loneliness, as well as guidance on how individuals can safely support themselves and others if they are feeling lonely or isolated. This information is available on the ‘Let’s Talk Loneliness’ website. In addition, Government is making £5 million available for national organisations working on tackling loneliness and applications for this new fund opened on 13 May 2020. Government has also formed a new ‘Tackling Loneliness Network’, which consists of high-profile charities, businesses and public figures who will work together to find innovative solutions which support people at risk of loneliness.

Football Association Premier League: Broadcasting

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of encouraging broadcasters to broadcast remaining Premier League fixtures played this season as free to air broadcasts.

Mr John Whittingdale: The Government recognises the importance to the country and to the wider football economy of the return of Premier League football matches, played behind closed doors, when it is safe to do so. The Government believes it could be helpful in discouraging people from leaving home to watch matches during the coronavirus emergency if some games and more highlights were available free to air. The Government is in talks with the English Premier League and broadcasters about a safe return to playing out the season, including the potential for free-to-air matches, and will provide an update in due course.

Leisure and Sports: Coronavirus

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions his Department has had on extending financial support to self-employed workers in the sport and recreation sector during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Nigel Huddleston: It is vital that the sport and physical activity sector is supported to come through this difficult period and it has a crucial role in supporting the nation back into activity once the pandemic has abated. The Government has announced a comprehensive package of measures to support businesses and the self-employed. This includes the Self-employment Income Support Scheme which allows those that are self-employed to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 a month. The Government is having regular discussions with sector and industry bodies to understand the impact of COVID-19 on sport and physical activity and to discuss what additional support might be needed.

Leisure: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will issue guidance to miniature wargaming clubs on operating safely during the covid-19 outbreak.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of what guidance can be issued to enable (a) miniature war-gaming matches and (b) other tabletop games to take place (i) safely and (ii) outdoors during the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Huddleston: The Government has published guidance on GOV.UK allowing the phased return of recreational activities in line with the latest medical guidance. This guidance can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation The Government does not plan to publish recreation-specific guidance.

Charities: National Lottery

Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will publish guidance for charities on preparations of a future TNLCF application process.

Mr John Whittingdale: Government announced a £750m civil society support package on 8 April. In addition to the £360m funding being distributed by central Government Departments, part of this package will include an open fund for charities and social enterprises working with vulnerable people affected by the crisis in England. This will be provided through the National Lottery Community Fund. DCMS is working at pace with NLCF to finalise the details for this fund and we expect the application system for this fund to be operational shortly. Supporting information such as guidance will be provided for the application process. We want the funding to be distributed as quickly as possible while ensuring that it goes to those charities which are best equipped to use it to contribute to the Covid-19 response. An announcement will follow shortly.

Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body

Palace of Westminster: Freight

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the right hon. Member for East Hampshire, representing the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of moving freight to and from the Restoration and Renewal construction site at the Palace of Westminster by river.

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the right hon. Member for East Hampshire, representing the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body, whether an environmental impact assessment has been carried out for the Restoration and Renewal project on the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the right hon. Member for East Hampshire, representing the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body, what steps he will take to minimise air pollution in central London from the Restoration and Renewal project on the Palace of Westminster.

Damian Hinds: The Sponsor Body has agreed a strategic objective to mitigate the environmental impact of the Restoration and Renewal Programme during the construction phase and to minimise the impact in relation to the Palace's future operation. This objective has been endorsed by the Commissions of both Houses and will be kept under review as the Programme progresses. An Environment Impact Assessment will be conducted in due course once the preferred approach to the works has been determined as part of the business case process, which will consider the impact on air quality and river ecology. The Programme is also expected to agree a series of controls and mitigations, as well as monitoring arrangements, for air quality during the construction phase as part of the planning process. The merits of using the river for moving materials to and from the construction site, to minimise the effects of construction on road traffic emissions, will also be considered by the Programme.